Mr Vice-President,
Sweden aligns herself with the statement made by the Czech Republic on behalf of the European Union.
Sweden thanks the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti, Mr Forst, and commends him for his report which sheds light on human rights issues that are of grave concern to my government.
Mr President,
In your report, you noted that consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Haiti requires not only reforming the national police but also addressing the many shortcomings in the judicial system. Can the Independent Expert recommend any order of priority in the challenging work of reforming both the police and criminal justice systems in order to strengthen the rule of law and improve respect for human rights? In this light, you mention as a part of your recommendations the establishment of an effective judicial inspection body. Have the Haitian authorities shown any willingness or taken any steps towards implementing such an oversight mechanism, following your suggestions?
Mr President,The very high incidence of violence against women, notably domestic violence, sexual violence and rape, is alarming to my government and an impediment to ensuring women’s enjoyment of their most basic human rights. Would in your view starting a process towards ratifying CEDAW be meaningful in this regard?
Let me reiterate Sweden’s strong support for your mandate, and extend our gratitude for the work you have carried out.
Thank you, Mr Vice-President