Sweden's speech delivered by Ambassador Mikael Anzén.
Thank you Chair
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement by the European Union.
I first want to warmly thank Special Rapporteur Lee for her important work.
Renewed violence in Rakhine State is of great concern. Yet again, we see how people must seek shelter in rudimentary IDP-camps without safe and unhindered access for humanitarian actors, and receive reports of indiscriminate firing into villages and arbitrary arrests. Sweden call for restraint by all parties and underlines the responsibility of government authorities to respect, protect and fullfill international human rights law.
The international community must ensure accountability for crimes against humanity, war crimes and possible genocide, as reported by the UN Fact-Finding Mission. We reiterate our call for a referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court. The Independent Mechanism should be set up without delay, and given full support by all States.
The harassment and intimidation of the Rohingya in Myanmar continue. Root causes, such as the denial of citizenship and the right to freedom of movement are still not properly addressed. Prospects for a safe and voluntary return of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh seem distant.
The amendments to the Vacant, Fallow and Virgin Land Law are deeply concerning. We urge the Government to initiate consultations with all stakeholders to ascertain that people can continue to use their ancestral land in accordance with traditional practices.
Sweden welcomes the initiative to form a parliamentary committee on constitutional reform as a possible step towards a peaceful, federal and democratic Myanmar, where individual rights and freedoms are respected.
Sweden acknowledges the ceasefire in Kachin and Shan, and encourage the Tatmadaw to extend it to Rakhine state and beyond the initial four months, while encouraging all parties to redouble their efforts for peace.
Ms. Lee, in your latest end of mission statement, you argue for transitional justice initiatives. What models could be used as inspiration for such a process, in particular with regard to access to accountability?
Thank you.
