Statement delivered by Ambassador Anna Jardfelt.
Madam President,
Sweden aligns itself with the statement by the EU and the joint Nordic statement. We thank the High Commissioner for her update.
Since the urgent debate on the situation in Belarus in September, the Belarusian authorities have taken no genuine steps to de-escalate the crisis. On the contrary, human rights violations, including arbitrary detentions, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, and brutal violence against peaceful protesters have continued.
Aleksandr Lukashenko's illegitimate inauguration, his public encouragement of the security forces to ignore the law, and the failure to investigate reported violations have created an atmosphere of lawlessness and impunity. Regrettably, at least four individuals have lost their lives.
We urge the Belarusian authorities to fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and to hold those responsible for violations accountable. Arbitrarily detained persons must be immediately and unconditionally released. We continue to call on the Belarusian leadership to engage in a genuine dialogue with the Belarusian opposition for a long-term peaceful resolution of the crisis.
I thank you.
