Human Rights Council, 55th session. Statement by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. Delivered by H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva, 19 March 2024.
Thank you, President.
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur, for his update and the attention he draws to the ongoing serious human rights crisis in Myanmar.
Three years have passed since the military coup in Myanmar, and the situation continues to deteriorate, with devastating consequences for human rights and humanitarian conditions in the country. The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly condemn the violent actions of the military. We reiterate our call on the regime to end all forms of violence against civilians, including sexual and gender-based violence, aerial attacks, mass killings and persecution of civilians. All conflict parties must abide by international law.
We are deeply concerned about the imposition of mandatory military service as it risks exacerbating an already fragile situation and risks further undermining the enjoyment of human rights of the people.
The Nordic Baltic countries jointly underline the urgent need to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need while supporting those actors committed to a democratic transition process that affirms human rights, transparency, and accountability.
Special rapporteur,
What is your view on how the international community could best work with regional and local partners to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to those in most need?
Thank you.