43rd session of the Human Rights Council. Statement delivered by Minister-Counsellor Karin Bolin.
Mr. Vice-President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement of the European Union.
Sweden would like to thank Special Rapporteur Rehman for his presentation. We welcome the report, which provides detailed information on the human rights situation in Iran, as well as on legislative developments and their implementation.
As highlighted by the EU, the report sheds light on several important issues of longstanding concern, such as the use of the death penalty, the situation for women and girls, the rights of all persons belonging to minorities and the respect for freedoms of expression and assembly.
As was recommended by Sweden during the Universal Periodic Review of Iran in November 2019, we call upon Iran to fully cooperate and grant immediate and unfettered access for the Special Rapporteur.
Even though the Special Rapporteur has not been able to visit Iran, important work has been done since the mandate was established in 2011. This includes valuable information gathering and public advocacy, which we hope and expect will continue.
Sweden welcomes the improved engagement of Iran with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and would like to ask how this increased openness, in your point of view, can be used in the work of the Special Rapporteur?
I thank you.