Swedish statement - General Debate of the First Committee

Chair,

Let me join others and congratulate you on your appointment as chair of the First Committee. You can count on the full support of my delegation.

Sweden aligns itself with the statement by the European Union and the statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic countries. The following remarks are made in a national capacity.

Chair,

Most of us here in the room represent small or middle-sized countries.

A rules-based international order – firmly rooted in international law, including the UN Charter, and respect for multilateralism – is vital for us.

But not only for us, the global challenges we face needs a collective response – based on international law – to ensure effective and credible solutions.

These challenges include the issues at hand here in the First Committee – disarmament and international security.

Well into the fourth year, Russia continues its illegal, unjustified, and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.

Sweden condemns the aggression in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms its unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.

Russia’s actions are flagrant violations of international law, including the UN Charter.

Credible reports point to Russian violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention in Ukraine, further underlining Russia’s disrespect for international law.

Russian attacks on civilians and civilian objects have intensified the last six months. They violate international humanitarian law and must stop.

We urge Russia to immediately cease all military activity and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of Ukraine.

Russia and its leadership must be held accountable for its war of aggression and for other crimes under international law.

Sweden welcomes the announcement that a deal has been reached on the first stage of a peace plan for Gaza, including the release of hostages and withdrawal of troops.

The agreement must be accompanied by full humanitarian relief to Gaza, lead to a permanent ceasefire and full implementation of the plan.

Paving the way for a two-state solution remains the only viable way for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace, freedom, and democracy.

Chair,

Today’s numerous geopolitical conflicts trigger security concerns for many countries, including my own.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine fundamentally changed the security outlook for Sweden.

The invasion demonstrated that Russia is ready and willing to resort to the use of military force and the threat of nuclear weapons use to pursue its political objectives.

As a consequence, after more than two-hundred years of military non-alignment Sweden joined NATO with broad parliamentary and popular support.

NATO is about collective security, at the expense of no other country: a defensive alliance.

Chair,

The NPT remains the cornerstone of global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts. Sweden will continue to promote the full implementation of all obligations.

But the ADN architecture is under severe pressure. Mistrust among states has increased and rhetoric has hardened.

If we are to reach the ultimate goal of a world free of nuclear weapons, concrete progress is necessary.

There is broad support among States Parties for confidence building measures such as transparency and reporting on nuclear weapons. Next year’s Review Conference should deliver on this demand. 

Mutual confidence and positive momentum are to be gained.

In this spirit Sweden works to advance progress in transregional formats such as the Stockholm Initiative for Nuclear Disarmament and the Initiative to Reduce the Risk for Nuclear Conflict.

At this moment, we also want to underscore the urgency of a successor agreement to New START. Such a successor agreement would benefit from including the three countries with the largest nuclear arms arsenals.

Chair,

The entry-into-force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty remains for the international community to deliver on. 

As current co-chairs of the article XIV-process, Sweden and the Philippines will push for its early entry into force.

The strong norm against testing created by the Treaty, and the International Monitoring System, are crucial assets that must be upheld.

Sweden urges all remaining annex 2 states to ratify the CTBT, as well as other states that has not yet done so.

Chair,

Sweden fully supports the principle that international cooperation on peaceful uses should be actively promoted.

Export controls facilitate and assist such cooperation and transfer of dual-use technologies. 

They enable countries to benefit and prosper even more, at the same time as they contribute to the security of all States, as they provide assurances that materials and goods end up at the intended user and not in the wrong hands.

Chair,

Sweden remains steadfast in its support of international efforts to curb the indiscriminate use of conventional weapons, including the human, economic and social toll they bring.

Sweden has made continuous contributions toward initiatives that prevent the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons.

Sweden continues to support various states and other stakeholders in mine clearance, supporting victims and advocating for mine action.

Chair, 

Let me end with a cross-cutting issue – inclusiveness.

Opposition to gender equality is on the rise, including in matters of peace and security and disarmament.

This is troublesome. All voices should be heard and respected.

For us to be effective, we must also engage with younger generations and allow the participation of all relevant stakeholders, including civil society, industry, and academia, in our work.

They all play an indispensable role. Thank you!