Statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries (NB8) delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 29 June 2026.
Mr President,
I make this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We welcome the first field visit of the Commission of Inquiry to Kinshasa. However, we note, with strong concern, the gross human rights violations and abuses that continue to be committed by all parties to the conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the rise in sexual violence against women and children.
We support the ongoing international mediation efforts. All parties to the conflict must stand by their commitments, implement the ceasefire, and comply with IHL and human rights law. This includes the protection of civilians and the obligation to respect and protect humanitarian personnel. We are concerned about the impact on civilians by the increased use of drones.
The recent judgement in the appeal trial of the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp and their Congolese companion Betu Shintela is an important step towards truth and justice. However, we strongly oppose the death penalty in all circumstances and without exception.
We reiterate our support to the work of Commission of Inquiry; how can we collectively ensure that information provided by the CoI is translated into justice for those affected by human rights abuses?
Thank you.
