Statement of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden she is holding during the High Level Segment of the Commission of Human Rights, 59th Session,

20 March 2003


Madam Chairperson,

War is always a failure. A war outside the United Nations charter is a great failure.

There was a good chance to disarm Iraq peacefully. However, the day before the arms-inspectors presented their work programme their work came to an abrupt halt. It is deplorable that they were not allowed to fulfil their task. With continued and unified pressure from the world community Iraq could have been forced to cooperate fully. Had they not complied, in the end, the UN Security Council has the possibility to decide on a military action.

The haste to take a decision on military action ruined the chance for a peaceful solution, it weakened the UN and thereby a stable world order.

We are not naïve concerning the Iraqi regime. Fifteen years ago, the Iraqi regime used chemical weapons against Iran and its own Kurdish population. Thousands were brutally killed.

Iraqis of all ethnic origins are victims of Saddam Hussein’s oppression and human rights violations.

But a war without a UN mandate is not the right way to pursue democracy in Iraq. We should bring the Iraq-question back to the Security Council as soon as possible.

Now has the time to discuss the security of Northern Iraq, humanitarian assistance
to all civilians and the central role of the UN in the post-conflict Iraq.

Now is also the time for a renewed commitment to fight proliferation and achieve disarmament of weapons of mass destruction all over the world.

Everyone, everywhere, is now discussing the war in Iraq. But it is important not to loose sight on other challenges. Let me start with terrorism.

Madam Chairperson,

We all fear new terrorist acts. International terrorism is a threat to our societies and our security. But the fight against terrorism must never be allowed to justify violations of human rights. International humanitarian law and human rights has to be respected at all times, also in time of crisis.

In the Middle East, Israel has the right to defend itself against Palestinian suicide-bombers. But it has no right to violate human rights and international humanitarian law in the occupied territories while doing so. A sustainable solution to the conflict must include the cessation and withdrawal of the settlements, and the establishment of a democratic, viable Palestinian state, living peacefully side by side with Israel.

Nor is it acceptable that Russia uses the fight against terrorism as a justification for violations of human rights and humanitarian law, in Chechnya. All parties must accept a credible political process to achieve a functional political settlement. The human rights have to be protected and the civilian population's suffering must come to an end.


Madam Chairperson,

A week ago, during a meeting in Belgrade with my Serbian colleague, we received the message that Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic had been shot.

I had spent a couple of days in some Balkan countries with representatives of governments, NGO:s and the international community, I met a very different reality from that of my last visits, two years ago. Still ethnic minorities face many problems. Discrimination continues to be institutionalised, and human rights violations occur.

But I could now see serious attempts at reconciliation in Macedonia (FYROM), where former Albanian rebels now are part of the government. And with my Croatian counterparts, aspiring to membership in the European Union, I discussed reforms and necessary cooperation with the Hague Tribunal.

It was a tour accompanied by hope and joy over life slowly coming back to normal in the Balkans, but it was ending in a sad reminder that democracy and the rule of law have strong enemies.

Prime Minister Djindjic's assassination is a tragedy for the new and fragile democratic state, but it is not the end of his accomplishment. I am convinced that the forces of change in Serbia and Montenegro will continue, and even have been strengthened, in their struggle for democracy, rule of law and integration with their neighbours.

The international community must stay active in the Balkans - and hopefully we will see the process as role model in a region marked by human rights violations can turn into democracy and respect for human rights.

The situation in south-eastern Europe in the 1990's illustrates well the close connection between human rights and conflict prevention – as well as the consequences of failure by the international community to act in time.

Last August, I hosted a conference in Sweden on international cooperation on conflict prevention. It brought together key actors such as the EU, the UN and European and African regional organisations. The message of the Conference was clear:

Violent conflicts are often caused by flagrant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
Investments in conflict prevention are investments in sustainable development.
To act early on signs of limitations of freedom of speech and assembly, or when national minorities are suppressed and discriminated, can prevent serious conflicts later.


The development in Central and Eastern Europe over the last decade also demonstrates that progress in democracy, human rights and the rule of law can be achieved with remarkable speed, provided there is responsible, accountable and democratic leadership.

In the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) a number of African states have committed themselves to good governance and human rights as well as to a strengthened co-operation with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Likewise, the Cotonou Agreement between the EU and the ACP countries recognises that human rights and democracy are integral parts of sustainable development and political dialogue.

We fully support this important process, which requires political will and courage, but also adequate resources. It is therefore important that our struggle to increase the respect for human rights also is a struggle against injustices.


Many conflicts and challenges, that humanity faces today are, caused by injustices. The Millennium Development Goals define time-bound and measurable goals and targets for combating poverty, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation and discrimination against women. They provide a framework for the UN system, including this Commission, to work towards a common end. They recognise that poverty is not only about lack of money, but also about lack of power and ability to influence and change one's situation.

A rights-based approach to development puts the poor and the marginalised at the centre of attention. It emphasises the equal value and rights of each individual. It empowers women, minorities and indigenous peoples, and promotes participation in development.


Madam Chairperson,

We share a vision for development based on universal human rights. We must also react when these values are challenged.

Building open, tolerant, legitimate, accountable and peaceful societies also requires that we deal with war-criminals. It is necessary for justice and reconciliation.

I strongly welcome the establishment of the International Criminal Court, inaugerated in the Hague on 11 March. It will strengthen respect for international law and human rights, and be an important tool in the fight against impunity. It is Sweden's hope that accession to the ICC eventually will be universal.

Today, more countries put human rights high on their national and international agendas. But much remain to be done.

No distinction must be made between people. Everyone has the same human rights.

However, special efforts are required to grant persons with disabilities equal opportunities to use all their rights. This is a priority for Sweden, and this year we will introduce a resolution, in the Commission, on "human rights and persons with disabilities".

We must increase our common efforts to combat human rights violations and injustices, wherever they occur.

In Belarus, a future neighbour of the EU, the population is deprived of democracy, and the situation for independent media, trade unions, politicians and journalists is worsening.

In Zimbabwe serious violations of human rights continue. During the last months several parliamentarians have been arbitrarely arrested. Torture and degrading and inhuman treatment of members of the opposition and civil society have increased.

In China, we can see some improvements in the legal field, and in the cooperation with the international community. Still, however, the general situation of human rights and the situation for the Tibetan people remain unacceptable.

In Iran, the practise of torture is widespread despite attempts by the reform forces to curb its use. Women and girls are discriminated - their human rights denied in law and practise. Sweden strongly condemns the abhorrent practise of stoning.

We must continue our work against the death penalty. Countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Iran and Iraq take the lead in provoking humanity by frequently using this primitive expression of public vengeance. I am also concerned that some Governments either are considering or have reinstalled the death penalty.

We must continue to work against the use of torture. I welcome that the optional protocol to the UN Convention against Torture is now open for ratification. It will provide the member states of the UN with a tool to prevent this terrible and widespread practice.

Another issue of concern is the wide-spread use of extra-judicial, summary and arbitrary executions. Sweden will again, this year, present a resolution dealing with these abhorrent pratices, in support of the special rapporteur and her activities.


Madam Chairperson,

Membership of the Commission on Human Rights entails great responsibilities. I welcome the suggestion by the High Commissioner to develop guidelines for membership of the Commission. In order to be elected States should undertake to cooperate fully with the supervisory committees and with the special procedures.

Thank you!