Statement by Sweden in the General Debate on Item 2 (Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Secretary-General)

Mr Vice President,

Madam High Commissioner,

Sweden aligns itself with the statement by the EU.

Sweden expresses its serious concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in Venezuela and the continued erosion of democratic principles and institutions. Sweden fully supports the High Commissioner's efforts to ensure full respect for human rights and welcomes the report from the International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. We call on the Government of Venezuela to fully cooperate with the OHCHR and the Fact-Finding Mission and to implement their recommendations.

The situation for human rights and democracy in Nicaragua remains of great concern as no tangible progress has been made. For a democratic and peaceful solution to the crisis, human rights must be ensured, and the remaining political prisoners unconditionally released. Moving forward, a meaningful national dialogue and electoral and institutional reforms are needed.

Sweden welcomes the second report of the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar to the Human Rights Council. The work of the mechanism is critical to ensure accountability for perpetrators of crimes under international law and justice for the many victims. The urgency of these efforts cannot be stressed enough. Going forward, sustained adequate funding and support must be ensured.

I thank you.