Statement delivered on 17 June 2025 by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
Sweden aligns itself with the statement of the EU.
We thank the High Commissioner for his update, and for the crucial work undertaken by him and his office. The EU and the Nordic-Baltic countries will raise important concerns which we share, including in Afghanistan, Iran, Myanmar, Sudan and Venezuela.
As Russia intensified its attacks against civilians, we have joined the call for a ceasefire in Ukraine. We continue to strongly condemn Russia’s aggression and widespread violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and demand that Russia enables the return of deported and displaced civilians, including children.
We strongly condemn the increased repression in Russia against civil society, political opponents, independent media, lawyers and human rights defenders, and call on Russia to release all political prisoners, repeal legislation violating human rights, and engage with UN human rights mechanisms.
We strongly condemn Belarus’ support to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the internal repression against all segments of society. We urge Belarus to immediately and unconditionally release all political prisoners and ensure their effective rehabilitation.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. Sweden reiterates our call on Israel to immediately and unconditionally ensure unhindered, safe and lasting humanitarian access, and allow humanitarian actors to work independently and impartially in accordance with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law. All hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
The situation for human rights in China remains of serious concern, including violations of the rights to freedom of expression, assembly and religion or belief, not least in Hong Kong, Tibet and Xinjiang. We urge China to implement the recommendations from the latest UPR, the OHCHR assessment report on Xinjiang, and Special Procedures.
We continue to demand the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained in violation of human rights.
Thank you
