Human Rights Council, 58th session
Commemoration on International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Theme: Sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination
Statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic Baltic Countries
Delivered by: H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN in Geneva
27 March 2025
Mr/Madam Chair,
On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries — Estonia, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and my own country, Sweden — I thank the panelists for their insights.
Racism and racial discrimination harm individuals and undermine democratic societies by causing conflict and perpetuating systemic inequalities. Additionally, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, deepen experiences of injustice faced by women, girls, LGBTIQ persons and persons in vulnerable situations. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the realization of universal human rights.
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) provides a comprehensive and adequate framework for addressing both long-standing and contemporary forms of racism.
Reflecting on sixty years since the adoption of the Convention, however, we must acknowledge that our aspirations remain unfulfilled — not due to a lack of norms, but rather a failure to fully respect and implement them. Moving forward, our priority should be to achieve universal adherence to the Convention and encourage its full and effective implementation.
Esteemed panel members,
What are the main barriers to fully and effectively implement the Convention, and how can we overcome them?