Statement by Sweden in the General Debate on Item 4

Madam President,

Sweden fully aligns itself with the statements by the European Union.

In the urgent debate on the situation in Belarus, a broad range of countries emphasized the seriousness of the human rights situation, including arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment of peaceful protesters and opposition members. We welcome the decision of this Council to continue monitoring the situation.

Regarding the human rights situation in Myanmar, Sweden refers to its earlier statement this session under the same agenda item.

The human rights situation in China remains concerning, especially the arbitrary detentions, widespread surveillance and restrictions particularly targeting Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang. The EU has jointly reiterated our deep concern at the imposition of legislation related to national security in Hong Kong and its consequences. The continued arbitrary detention of Swedish and EU citizen Gui Minhai remains a cause of grave concern.

Together with the rest of the EU, Sweden views the deteriorating human rights situation in Russia with alarm; we call on Russia to ensure freedom of expression and assembly for all, including human rights defenders and political opposition. We condemn the attack on Alexei Navalny.

Reports of using counter-terrorism legislation to restrict human rights in Egypt remains deeply worrying. We call on Iran and Saudi Arabia to ensure the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and association for all, including for human rights defenders.

We call on the Philippines to conduct prompt, exhaustive and impartial investigations of all alleged extrajudicial executions associated with the campaign against illegal drugs.

Thank you.