Mr Chairman,Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to His Excellency Mr Viera-Gallo and the delegation for taking an active part in our dialogue here today.
Sweden welcomes that the Senate of Chile last year approved the ILO Convention 169 on indigenous people and the information given this morning on the Social Pact “Reconocer”. At the same time, the Special Rapporteur on indigenous people and the Human Rights Committee have voiced concern regarding territorial rights and the slow progress made in Chile in demarcating indigenous lands. We therefore recommend to continue and strengthen the efforts with a view to find a solution that respects the land rights of the indigenous groups and ensures a legal protection of their human rights .
Sweden has noted that both the Human Rights Committee and CEDAW expressed concern about the restrictive abortion laws in Chile. Illegal and unsafe abortion methods are a major cause of maternal mortality. The Committee on the Rights of the Child urged Chile to review its criminalization of the termination of pregnancies in all circumstances, including in cases of rape, incest and situations where the life of the mother is at risk. We would recommend further efforts to ensure that the abortion laws are brought in line with Chile’s human rights obligations.
Lastly, we welcome the information this morning that a new law against discrimination is being discussed. Sweden recommends that discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity be prohibited by law and included in equality programmes and policies. In this respect we welcome that Chile affirmed its’ commitment to equality and non-discrimination on those grounds at the Human Right’s Council.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.