Mr President,
Sweden aligns herself with the statement made by the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union.
Sweden would like to express its deepest thanks the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Professor Philip Alston and to the Special Representative on Violence against Women, Professor Yakin Ertürk.
Sweden takes the opportunity to also thank those countries who cooperate with the special procedures and to urge those who have pending requests to respond to those favourably, in the Special Procedures mechanisms are to function properly, the cooperation of States is of utmost importance.
Let me also say that mandate holders must be free to speak openly on their findings in any UN Member State, even if their findings sometimes are less flattering for a specific government.
Professor Alston, drawing from you findings, we note that extrajudicial executions in various forms occurs in many places all over the world. We note with deep concern execution of juvenile offenders and killings in various parts of the world of people being accused of being so called “witches”.
We are also deeply concerned about the attacks, intimidation and even executions of witnesses that have cooperated with UN special procedures, including your mandate. Such attacks constitute a flagrant threat to the very core of the basic human rights principles on which the mandate of the Human Rights Council as well as your specific mandate is based upon. In your view, what can the Council do to better protect the individuals assisting you in your work?
Professor Ertürk, we would like to express our strong support for your mandate, and commend you for your persistent work advancing the knowledge on the causes and consequences of violence against women.
The work outlined in this year’s report on the political economy of women’s human rights is ground-breaking. In a year when the economy has been one of the main focuses of most countries, it is important with a reminder of the significance of inclusion of women in the economic sphere. Professor Ertürk, you mentioned in your report the detrimental effect on women’s security that a lack of upholding the right to adequate housing has. Internally displaced persons, as you rightly point out, are at a special risk in this regard. Here, the plight of the IDP:s in Sri Lanka is of special concern, not only when it comes to their present situation in camps, but also in any planned future repatriation. Further, the situation of internal displacement can cause harm for the other part of the civilian population, especially women and children. What words of advice would you like to extend to the government of Sri Lanka on this issue?
Let me reiterate Sweden’s strong support for your mandate, and extend our gratitude for the work you have carried out during your tenure.
Thank you.