Item 2, ID on HC annual report . National statement delivered by H.E. Ms Anna Jardfelt, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva.
Mr President,
High Commissioner,
Sweden aligns itself with the EU.
We thank the High Commissioner for his report and underline our strong support for his office's instrumental work for human rights globally.
The OHCHR's support to independent, investigative, and accountability mechanisms in relation to inter alia Ukraine, Belarus, Iran, and Venezuela, is invaluable. We reiterate our condemnation in the strongest possible terms of Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine in blatant violation of international law, as well as the consequent violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. In Russia, the external aggression is reflected in the violent internal repression. Sweden strongly condemns the continued silencing and crushing of civil society, independent media and all types of opposition. In Belarus we strongly condemn the internal repression that has reached unprecedented levels ,as all who express dissent are systematically persecuted. In Iran, the human rights situation remains deeply concerning, not least for women, protesters, human rights defenders and persons belonging to ethnic and religious minorities.
Sweden is deeply committed to the full enjoyment of human rights of women and girls and LGBTIQ persons, to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and to the prevention and elimination of sexual and gender-based violence - all central parts of the OHCHR's work. In this regard Uganda's new Anti-Homosexuality Act, is deeply concerning. Everyone must be treated equally and with respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The systematic violations of human rights in Afghanistan, especially with regard to women and girls, is gravely concerning.
The human rights situation in China remains very serious, including in Hongkong, Tibet and Xinjiang. We encourage China to cooperate with the OHCHR towards the implementation of the recommendations in the OHCHR report on the human rights situation in Xinjiang. The continued arbitrary detention of Swedish and EU citizen Gui Minhai must end.
Thank you.
