Mr President,
Allow me to extend the gratitude of Sweden to the delegation of Afghanistan for having responded to the recommendations we made during the 5th session of the UPR. We appreciate the strong commitment of the government to handle the challenges Afghanistan is facing within the area of Human Rights.
In the review in May, Sweden voiced concern about discrimination of women and girls in Afghanistan, including restrictions on their mobility and ability to work outside the home. We welcome that you accepted our recommendation 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.
We also appreciate your commitment to make further efforts to ensure that the status of Freedom of Expression is brought in line with international obligations.
Many states from different parts of the world, not only Sweden, recommended to re-introduce the moratorium on executions which was broken in 2007, and take measures to adhere to the resolutions of the General Assembly, with a view to abolish the death penalty. Given that irregularities exist in the justice system and that there have been cases where detainees have been found innocent, we would encourage the government to reconsider its’ position and move to support a re-introduction of the moratorium.
Thank you, Mr President.