United Nations Human Rights Council, 39th Session. Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Occupied Palestinian Territory. Statement by Sweden, delivered by H.E. Swedish Permanent Representative Veronika Bard.
Sweden would like to thank the Commission of Inquiry for its update and, in addition to the statement by the EU, add the following.
Sweden is appalled by the continued violence and unacceptable death toll of Palestinians protesting in Gaza since 30th of March. 182 Palestinians have been killed since that day and 19,600 have been injured according to OCHA, among them many children. Sweden seconds the calls on Israel, by the UN and the EU, to respect the right to peaceful assembly, and condemns the killings, in particular of children.
The Swedish position on this is very clear. Every state, Israel included, has a right to defend its borders, but all measures taken must be proportionate. Lethal use of force should only be used as a last resort. Sweden has also urged those encouraging mass demonstrations, including Hamas, to avoid provocation and the use of violence, and to ensure that children are not put in harm’s way.
Sweden supported the decision by the Human Rights Council to establish a Commission of Inquiry in May. An independent and transparent investigation is urgently needed. This was also called for by the UN Secretary General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the European Union and many others.
We have encouraged all Parties to fully cooperate with the Commission, and we hope that this will be the case.
If access will not be given, how will you carry out your work?
Sweden expresses its full support for the work of the Commission and looks forward to taking part of the final results.