Statement by Sweden in the General Debate on Item 3 - Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

Madam President,

While extreme poverty has been falling since 1990, inequality is rising. Inequality is not only a barrier to sustainable development – it also creates a breeding ground for societal tensions and conflict.

There is a clear connection between increasing social and economic inequality and growing distrust in democratic institutions. Greater equality is therefore an essential part of Sweden's Drive for Democracy.

Ensuring that everyone can enjoy their human rights – be they civil, political, economic, social or cultural – is absolutely necessary to achieve equality and sustainable development.

Women's equal participation in political, economic and social life, for which sexual and reproductive health and rights are a crucial prerequisite, is a key pillar of a democratic society and a priority of Sweden's Feminist Foreign Policy.

Freedom of assembly and association, including the possibility to create trade unions and demand decent work conditions, are a must to achieve equality. However, in certain countries today, demanding these human rights comes with great risk. This is unacceptable.

Sweden will continue to work hard to reduce inequalities by standing up for everyone's full enjoyment of all human rights, as a key component of our Drive for Democracy.

Thank you.