Swedish statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Veronika Bard.
Mr President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
Regarding the human rights situation in Belarus, Myanmar and Syria, Sweden refers to its earlier statements this session under the same agenda item.
Human rights defenders and journalists, particularly women, are subjected to violence and human rights violations in many regions. In this regard, Sweden is seriously concerned over the situation in Azerbaijan, Egypt and Iran. The shrinking democratic space in Cambodia is also an issue of concern to my Government.
Sweden strongly condemns extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, wherever they may take place. We follow with great concern reports on the developments in the Philippines. The report of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to this session regarding the case of Mr Khashoggi raises the most serious of issues.
In Palestine, human rights violations under the Israeli occupation remain of serious concern. Reports of violations in Palestinian detention by the Palestinian Authority, and of human rights violations in Gaza, are also deeply worrying.
The rights of persons belonging to minorities must be guaranteed. We call on China to take urgent steps to do so, particularly in Xinjiang and in Tibet. In the Russian Federation, the recent mass arrests of demonstrators, and the detainment of Jehovah’s Witnesses are of deep concern. We call on all countries to respect the right to freedom of religion or belief.
Violence by security forces in Nicaragua and Venezuela are unacceptable. We condemn the recent violent attacks committed in Sudan. The human rights to freedom of assembly and expression must be guaranteed.
I thank you.