Statement by Sweden in the General Debate on Item 3

Madame President,

In these times of a global pandemic we need joint and coordinated action. We reiterate our full support for the rules-based world order and the multilateral system.

Today, more people live in countries with authoritarian tendencies than in countries with democratic progress. This trend of democratic backsliding risks being further compounded by the pandemic and these developments must be reversed.

Sweden has named the defence and promotion of democracy a top priority of our foreign policy. We focus on supporting civil society actors, not least human rights defenders, as their role is central to upholding democracy and holding governments accountable.

Lack of enjoyment of social and economic rights make people lose faith in democratic institutions. We need to increase social and economic equality as well as gender equality. Sexual and reproductive health and rights is a priority of Sweden's Feminist Foreign Policy.

Sweden underlines the importance of human rights in the world of work, with a focus on the right to unionise, the right to decent and secure working conditions and women's access to the labour market. By fulfilling these rights, globalisation can be used as a positive force to give people the opportunities they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

Thank you.