Statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries (NB8) delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva, at the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 2 October 2026
Mr President,
Thank you, High Commissioner, for your report, which we welcome and support. I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
The human rights situation in eastern DRC remains deeply worrying. We are particularly concerned by reports of unlawful killings, persistent conflict-related sexual violence, recruitment and use of children, shrinking civic space and continued attacks against civilians and civil infrastructure.
We strongly condemn all violations and abuses of human rights and violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties to the conflict.
We support ongoing regional and international mediation efforts to secure a sustainable ceasefire and advancing a peaceful resolution to the conflicts. All parties must uphold and deliver on their commitments, immediately de-escalate the situation, ensure the protection of civilians, facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access and fully comply with international law.
We stress that efforts must continue to ensure that all those involved in the murders of UN experts Zaida Catalán and Michael Sharp are held to account.
High Commissioner, how can the root causes of violations and abuses of IHL and human rights law in eastern DRC most effectively be addressed?
Thank you.
