Mr President,
Sweden fully aligns itself with the statement made by the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union.
The world looks to this Council to address serious violations of Human rights. Fulfilling this mandate is central to the credibility of the Council as the main human rights institution of the UN.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a number of serious issues continue to require the attention of this Council. A most pressing concern is the widespread use of sexual violence against women and children. So is the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Sweden underlines the need to renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Sudan. As we will hear when Ms Samar reports to us in about a week, there have been positive developments in relation to Human rights in Sudan but many issues remain deeply troubling. Military action has caused startling loss of life and of displacement, attacks on women and children are frequent and impunity for human rights violations continues.
Sweden is deeply concerned over the human rights situation in Somalia. Civilians are targeted in the reignited conflict, extrajudicial executions and arbitrary arrests are rampant, and journalists are in constant danger of attacks or harassment. Violence has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. We welcome the Government of Somalia’s readiness to co-operate with the Independent Expert, but the situation in most parts of the country is so serious that practical efforts at technical assistance and advice on Human rights are impossible.
Sweden welcomes that the devastating 30-year long conflict in Sri Lanka now finally seems to be coming to an end. Winning the peace will require ending the culture of impunity. The seriousness of the situation, including the alleged violations of humanitarian law and human rights law, merit a strong response from this Council. Investigating such allegations is a key principle of international humanitarian law.
Thank you.