Intervention by the Nordic-Baltic States. Delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva, Wednesday 1 October 2025.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the High Commissioner and the International Independent Expert Mechanism for their reports.
Our engagement in efforts to eliminate racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance remains resolute. Tackling these challenges is a shared priority moving forward. A human rights-based approach is key to confronting racism in all its forms.
While we cannot undo the injustices of the past, we have a shared responsibility to address their negative legacies. We must ensure that these efforts are grounded in human rights – in the principles of non-discrimination, equal treatment under the law, and respect for individual human rights. These principles all developed as antidotes to oppression, and upholding them is essential if we are to meaningfully address both historical injustices and ongoing human rights violations.
We recognize that women, persons with disabilities, and LGBTIQ persons often face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and barriers, which must be addressed as part of broader efforts to combat racism. We agree that inclusion, representation and participation is essential.
High Commissioner and members of the EMLER,
Can you please share some best practices on how states can address the negative legacies of historic injustices, in an inclusive and transformative way?
