"Sweden can contribute to UN Human Rights Council"
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Frank Belfrage highlighted Sweden's candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the period 2012-2015 when he addressed the 16th session today:
"We ask to be considered for membership of this crucial body because of the importance we attach to the Council in its work to promote and protect human rights worldwide. We are also a candidate because we hope that Sweden, in partnership with others, can contribute to the work of the Council in a constructive and progressive manner," said Mr Belfrage.
Mr Belfrage also raised the situation in the Middle East, reiterating Sweden's support of the people of the region in their struggle for human rights, democracy, social justice and economic development.
- Read Sweden's address to the UN Human Rights Council on 1 March
- Read a report by Sweden's Ambassador for Human Rights Hans Dahlgren from the second day of the UNHRC session
- Read a report by Sweden's Ambassador for Human Rights Hans Dahlgren from the first day of the UNHRC session
- News article Focus on human rights during one-month session
- Read more on the website of the United Nations Human Rights Council
EU and Sweden introduce sanctions against Libya
The Swedish Government and the Council of the European Union today decided to introduce sanctions against the Libyan regime. The move follows a decision on sanctions by the United Nations Security Council this weekend. The EU decision, which represents a tightening of the UN sanctions, involves the freezing of the Libyan leader's foreign assets and a ban on the import and export of weapons.
Focus on human rights during one-month session
The year's biggest meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) begins today. The issues to be discussed include freedom of expression, freedom of religion (including defamation of religion), racism and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The UNHRC will also negotiate resolutions on the human rights situation in individual countries. The human rights situation in the Middle East is expected to be a dominant issue.
Carl Bildt to Middle East for political talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will travel to Jordan, Israel and Palestine between 26 February and 3 March. He will hold talks with politicians and meet representatives of civil society.
Women's education and work theme of UN meeting
Today marks the start of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York - a forum in which more than 3 500 representatives of governments and interest organisations meet to discuss gender equality and women's opportunities around the world. This year's theme is access for girls and women to education and technology and opportunities for them to obtain employment and meaningful work.
Carl Bildt to Egypt for political talks
Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt will begin a two-day visit to Cairo late Monday evening. The purpose of the visit is to gain an understanding, on the ground and in broad dialogue, of the political situation in the country and see how Sweden and the EU can contribute to the continued democratisation process. Mr Bildt's visit to Egypt follows a visit by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton.
Years surrounding the demise of the Soviet Union - a challenge for Swedish diplomacy
"The years surrounding the demise of the Soviet Union represent perhaps the most challenging period of Swedish foreign policy since the 1940s. Many have perhaps already forgotten the daily drama of this period twenty years ago." These were Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt's opening words at a seminar on Swedish diplomacy during the Baltic struggle for freedom, held at the Swedish Institute of International Affairs on Thursday. The seminar followed the Ministry for Foreign Affairs' declassification of around 90 reports that have now been published on the Internet.
Statement of Foreign Policy presented in the Riksdag
The European Union must be the voice of freedom and the power of democracy. These were the words of Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt in the Riksdag on Wednesday when he presented the Statement of Foreign Policy, the annual programmatic declaration that sets out Sweden's work in the world. The struggle for freedom that has swept Egypt and Tunisia in recent weeks featured prominently in the foreign minister's speech. Mr Bildt suggested that the EU must now show the same level of resolve in pushing for open societies and open economies in North Africa as it did in eastern Europe 20 years ago.
Five nominees for Music Export Prize 2010
Tomorrow, Thursday, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will present the Music Export Prize. Since 1997, the Government has recognised achievements in the music business that have once again focused the international limelight on Sweden during the preceding year, and thus contributed to Swedish exports.
"Swedish music is appreciated all over the world. Therefore, there is also every reason for the Government to show its appreciation of Swedish performers, song writers, orchestras and producers who have distinguished themselves through major success abroad," says Minister for Trade Ewa Björling.
State Visit to Poland
Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia will pay a State Visit to Poland on 4-6 May 2011 at the invitation of President Bronislaw Komorowski. The Swedish Government will be represented. A Swedish business delegation will visit Poland in connection with the State Visit.
