Mr. President,
Sweden would like to thank the Special Rapporteur for her report and dedicated work, you have our full support. Sweden aligns herself with the statement of France on behalf of the EU.
We note a certain progress in the national and legal framework and welcome the amendments to the Child Act which raises the age of criminal responsibility, prohibits female genital mutilation etc.
However, the general human rights situation in the Sudan, and particularly in Darfur, remains very troubling indeed, as illustrated by Dr. Samar. Impunity remains an overriding problem and an obstacle to peace.
Mme Special Rapporteur, Sweden endorses your recommendation to address impunity by establishing an independent and transparent fact-finding mechanism.
In view of the worrisome human rights situation, and based on your observations and experience, would you think it useful and efficient to focus human rights measures on certain issues in addition to impunity and if so, on which issues?
Sweden agrees with the Special Rapporteur that it will be important to guarantee freedom of expression ahead of the general elections in the Sudan next year, commends journalists and human rights defenders who stand up for these rights and calls on the Government of Sudan to cease restrictions on and harassment of these groups.
In any armed conflict women and children are among the most vulnerable, and frequently exposed to systematic violence, including sexual violence. How can the international community further contribute to an improvement in the situation of women and children?’
Thank you Mr. President.