Statement by the Nordic-Baltic countries Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madam President,
I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and my own country Sweden.
Eliminating violence against women and girls in all their diversity must be a top priority for all of us. Violence against women and girls continues to be a global issue. Measures to prevent this violence and address its root causes are key. This fact, among many other important conclusions, is highlighted in the Special Rapporteur’s report on violence against indigenous women and girls. We thank the Special Rapporteur for this report.
We are deeply concerned that indigenous women and girls often face complex and intersectional forms of violence, as well as multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that threats and attacks against indigenous human rights defenders, including environmental human rights defenders, continue to escalate. Indigenous women human rights defenders experience complex, multidimensional and mutually reinforcing human rights violations and abuses; especially so if they challenge traditional gender roles.
Madam Special Rapporteur,
You conclude that violence against indigenous women and girls is drastically underreported, and that impunity is widespread. What measures can States and other actors take to encourage increased reporting, and what other measures do you see as most urgent in order to ensure accountability?
I thank you.