Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madam President,
Sweden welcomes this opportunity to address the crisis in Sudan through a Special Session.
Sweden is deeply concerned about the developments in Sudan. We strongly condemn the military coup and reiterate our call for the immediate release of Prime Minister Hamdok and other members of the civilian leadership, currently detained by Sudanese military forces. The violence, intimidation and harassment of the Sudanese people exercising their right to peaceful assembly must stop, including arbitrary detentions of persons protesting against the military coup.
The international community must stand united in support of the democratic transition and continue to call for a restoration of the civilian-led transitional government on the basis of the Constitutional document. We urge Sudan to respect obligations under international human rights law, including regarding freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly.
Madam President,
Before the military coup took place, commendable progress was being achieved on human rights, particularly women’s enjoyment of human rights and freedom of religion or belief. Positive steps were taken by the transitional Government to address systematic human rights and rule-of-law concerns, including the fight against impunity. However, many challenges remain and for Sudan’s important and promising work on human rights to continue, an immediate return to a civilian-led democratic transition is indispensable.
Thank you.