UN Human Rights Council. Statement by Sweden, H.E. Ambassador Mikael Anzén. 18 December 2019.
Mr. President,
Sweden thanks the Deputy High Commissioner for the update, and aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
We remain deeply troubled over the deteriorating human rights situation resulting from the Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.
At least 3 344 civilians have lost their lives; the number of injured exceeds 7 000; over 50 000 homes have been damaged. The report also include incidences of torture and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrest and violations of the right to a fair trial.
We remain equally concerned about the continued human rights violations in the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, including the systematic persecution of Crimean Tatars and others.
The prison exchange in September, as well as the repair of the bridge in Stanytsia Luhanska, are long awaited gleams of light.
The confidence-building measures agreed in Paris on December 9 has potential to ease the burden of civilians, why we call on all sides to commit to their implementation in the coming months.
We reiterate our non-recognition and condemnation of Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea, and our condemnation of Russia’s aggression in eastern Ukraine. We call on Russia, as well as other parties, to uphold its obligations under international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
We express our support for the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, and call on Russia to ensure unimpeded access for independent international observers and human rights NGO:s to the entire territory of Ukraine.
Finally, we call on all parties to follow the recommendations in the report of the OHCHR.
Thank you.