Mr President,
Sweden aligns herself with the statement made by the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union.
Sweden thanks the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burma/Myanmar, Mr Quintana, and commends him for his report which sheds light on the human rights situation in Burma/Myanmar, which remains of grave concern to us. Sweden allocates a considerable amount of humanitarian aid to the country.
In your recommendations, you concentrate on four core human rights elements. One of them concerns the progressive release of prisoners of conscience. Sweden is concerned not only about the high number of this group of prisoners, but also about the conditions in prisons, and the cases of arbitrary detention.
The number of national laws that, according to the Special Rapporteur, need to be revised – 380 – would seem overwhelming to any state. Can the Special Rapporteur recommend any order of priority in this gigantic work in order to improve respect for human rights and have the Myanmar authorities given any sign of willingness to call for international assistance in their task?
The restrictions on the freedom of expression, with detention of journalists and censorship of the media as consequences, is alarming to us and an impediment to free and fair elections.
Could the Special Rapporteur suggest how, according to his dialogue with the authorities, international standards may be upheld during the 2010 elections?
As the Special Rapporteur mentions, the latest report under the Convention on the Rights of the Child has not been submitted. Sweden is particularly worried about the continuing recruitment by warring parties of children as soldiers.
We are also concerned about sexual violence as well as other forms of violence against women, committed by armed forces, and urges the Government of Burma/Myanmar to adhere to their obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against women, which the country has ratified.
Finally, Sweden encourages an approval of the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Thank you, Mr President