Sweden Sweden for the UN Human Rights Council

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1 Sweden for the UN Human Rights Council Sweden for the UN Human Rights Council Sweden Sweden for the UN Human Rights Council

2 Sweden is a candidate for the UN Human Rights Council for the period Promoting and respecting human rights is a core commitment and a central priority for the Swedish Government. Sweden has therefore decided to present its candidature for membership of the UN Human Rights Council. The candidature has full support of the Nordic countries and the elections will take place in the UN General Assembly in As a member of the Council, Sweden would look forward to working with all Members of the United Nations, in the spirit of cooperation and genuine dialogue.

3 The pursuit of peace and progress, with its trials and its errors, its successes and its setbacks, can never be relaxed and never abandoned. Dag Hammarskjöld Global focus, global commitment Sweden and the UN Engaging actively in the work of the United Nations is a cornerstone of Sweden s foreign policy. Sweden has a long tradition of engagement in core areas of the UN such as conflict prevention, disarmament, peace support operations, development cooperation, sustainable development, rule of law promotion, international law and human rights. Support for human rights and democracy is a key priority of Swedish international development cooperation. Sweden is committed to the fulfilment of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Sweden contributes 1 per cent of its GNI to international aid, exceeding the UN aid target of 0.7 per cent of GNI. Sweden is the third largest bilateral donor of humanitarian aid in the world. Sweden is one of the four largest contributors of funds to OHCHR, UNICEF, UNHCR, OCHA, UNDP, UNFPA, UNAIDS and UNRWA. Sweden is a strong supporter of global disarmament and non-proliferation efforts and is currently giving special focus to promoting the Comprehensive Nuclear- Test-Ban Treaty. Sweden is one of the leading nations in the quest for global sustainable solutions for a better environment. Between 2010 and 2012, approximately EUR 800 million in fast-start funding is being channelled via bilateral, regional and multilateral organisations to address climate change concerns in developing countries. Sweden is the fourth largest resettlement country for people in need of international protection and is at the forefront of policy development in the area of migration and development. Over 80,000 Swedish nationals have served in UN peace missions over the years.

4 Sweden in the UN Human Rights Council Sweden has been deeply engaged in the work of the UN Human Rights Council since its creation and has actively contributed to a wide range of cross-regional resolutions and initiatives. During the negotiations of Resolution 60/251 establishing the Council, Sweden worked actively for an equitable geographical distribution of seats in the Council. Sweden supports a Council that recognises the linkage and mutual reinforcement between peace and security, human rights and development cooperation. As a member of the Council, Sweden would support the Council s work to promote and mainstream human rights throughout the United Nations system. As a member of the UN Human Rights Council, Sweden would be committed to promoting the realisation of all human rights: civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. If elected member, Sweden would also work to ensure the continued strengthening of the Council as the UN s primary human rights body.

5 Swedish human rights priorities Sweden is a firm advocate of the universality of human rights and promotes global adherence to international human rights covenants. All human rights are universal, indivisible, interrelated, interdependent and mutually reinforcing. They must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing and with the same emphasis. Everyone is entitled to all human rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, disability, birth or other status. Women and men should be ensured equal rights. Sweden believes that gender inequality is a detriment to society as a whole. Children should be given special care and attention. Sweden believes that every child should be brought up in the spirit of peace, dignity, tolerance, freedom, equality and solidarity. Sweden also recognises the importance of international cooperation for improving the living conditions of children in every country.

6 Engagement at the national level Sweden s engagement for human rights at the international level is based on a firm commitment to human rights protection at the national level, notably through the constitutional and legal system. Sweden has extended a standing invitation to all UN special rapporteurs and independent experts to visit Sweden and examine its systems for human rights protection. Sweden cooperates fully with the UN treaty bodies and submits timely and comprehensive reports. Sweden is in the process of implementing the recommendations put forward at its Universal Periodic Review in the Human Rights Council in May Sweden supports the important role that non-governmental organisations play in the promotion of human rights. For this reason, it strives to maintain a constant dialogue with non-governmental organisations. Photo: Mark Harris/imagebank.sweden.se, Phoenix, UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré, Scanpix/Leif R Jansson, Maskot. Printed by: Edita, 2012 Article no: UD Contact information Ministry for Foreign Affairs Department for International Law, Human Rights and Treaty Law SE Stockholm, Sweden Telephone (switchboard): Fax: [email protected] Website: