Statement by Sweden Delivered by: H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Ambassador, Permanent representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Mr President,
We thank the High Commissioner and the troika of experts for the report.
Sweden’s solidarity with the people in Belarus in their desire to exercise their human rights is solid.
As a result of systemic repression, there are more than 1 000 political prisoners in Belarus. Those arbitrarily detained must be immediately and unconditionally released.
The report highlights not only severe human rights violations but also the Belarusian authorities’ “active policy to shield perpetrators and prevent accountability”.
The impunity must stop. Considering the systemic flaws in the adherence to the rule of law in Belarus highlighted in the report, efforts outside Belarus of collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence of violations are vital. To further assess the available evidence in view of future judicial proceedings is also key.
We continue to call on the Belarusian leadership to initiate a genuine dialogue with the Belarusian opposition.
We continue to urge the Belarusian authorities to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law – including to respect freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, information, and the rule of law – and to hold those responsible for violations and abuses accountable. We condemn Belarus’ involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
I thank you.
