Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Madame President,
High commissioner,
Sweden’s determination to protect democracy, human rights and the rule of law remain unabated. We are deeply committed to sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, to prevent and eliminate sexual and gender—based violence and to LGBTIQ persons’ full enjoyment of human rights.
Our initiative “Drive for Democracy” and Feminist Foreign Policy constitute the backbone of Sweden’s efforts in the Council. Sweden will continue to raise accountability for human rights violations and abuses wherever they occur.
The human rights situation in Afghanistan is deeply alarming, especially for women and girls. Reports of sexual and gender-based violence and restrictions on the rights to education, work and freedom of movement are very concerning. Impunity is not an option. Women must be part of the solution.
In many parts of the world democratic space is shrinking, human rights defenders, journalists and trade unionists are silenced, harassed, exposed to violence. We urge Cuba and Nicaragua to ensure freedom of expression and opinion, including for civil society and political opponents.
We call on the Lebanese government to ensure an independent and credible investigation of the explosion in Beirut more than a year ago. We urge the Government of Iraq to ensure that the upcoming parliamentary elections are free, fair and inclusive an to hold perpetrators of human rights violations, including against peaceful protestors, accountable.
Finally we reiterate our strong support for the OHCHR and its regional offices and the UN Secretary- General ‘s Call to Action.
I thank you.