Mr Chairman,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to His Excellency Mr Hashimzai for taking an active part in our dialogue here today. We appreciate the strong commitment of the government to handle the challenges Afghanistan is facing within the area of Human Rights.
Sweden is concerned about the high levels of discrimination and violence against women and girls in Afghanistan, including restrictions on their mobility and ability to work outside the home. Furthermore, there is information that the Shi’ite Personal Status Law includes several provisions, which seriously restrict the human rights of women in Afghanistan. We welcome that you addressed this issue in your presentation and we recommend to take all steps necessary to combat discrimination and violence against women, both in regards to legislation and awareness-raising to ensure that women are informed of their rights. In this regard we note with appreciation that it has been recommended in your own national report, to adopt a strategy for elimination of violence against women.
Sweden is also concerned about violence against journalists in Afghanistan. Reports show that dozens of journalists were detained and held without a charge during 2008. We note that you also mention some problems regarding freedom of expression in your National report. We would recommend further efforts to ensure that the status of Freedom of Expression is brought in line with international obligations.
Lastly: In resolutions 62/149 and 63/168, the General Assembly called upon states to establish a moratorium on executions, with a view to abolish the death penalty. We recommend the government to re-introduce the moratorium which was broken in 2007, and take measures to adhere to the resolutions of the General Assembly in this regard.
Thank you, Mr President.