Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group

21st Session (19 - 30 January 2015)

2nd UPR of Sweden – Interactive Dialogue

Monday, 26 January 2015, 09:00 am - 12:30 pm

Statement by India

Mr. President,

1. India welcomes the delegation of Sweden led by H.E. Ms. Annika Soder, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

2. While acknowledging Sweden’s international commitment to human rights and taking note of two national plans of action for HR, we recommend early establishment of a national human rights institution in conformity with the Paris Principles.

3. We welcome the establishment of the Office of the Equality Ombudsman and commend the Government’s recent initiative to sensitize the youth against xenophobia and other similar forms of intolerance. We also recommend enhanced efforts to curb hate crimes against certain religious communities, ethnic groups and other minorities including indigenous people.

4. We recommend that Sweden strengthen the measures to combat violence against women as well as support victims and survivors of such violence.

5. While taking note of Sweden’s dialogue with CRPD in 2014, we recommend speedy implementation of the CRPD recommendations.

6. We would encourage Sweden to address the discrepancies in access to employment, housing, health and education between native Swedes and foreign-born persons.

7. We wish the delegation of Sweden all success in its future endeavours.

Thank you Mr. President.

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