Human Rights Council – 61st Session

Urgent debate "to discuss the recent military aggression launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on 28 February 2026, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, which has resulted in the loss of innocent lives”

Statement delivered by Sweden on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countires

25 March 2026

Mr President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We welcome this urgent debate.

Developments in Iran and the wider region threaten regional and global security. We deplore the loss of all civilian lives and express solidarity with those affected.

We strongly condemn Iran’s military strikes against third states not involved in armed hostilities. We call on Iran to immediately cease these attacks and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. We call for de-escalation and restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect for international law by all parties.

We also call on the Islamic Republic of Iran to end violence and repression against its own people and ensure that human rights are fully respected. The Iranian people must be allowed to choose their own future.

We strongly condemn Iran’s use of the death penalty, including in the case of dual citizens. The death penalty is a cruel, inhuman, and irreversible form of punishment. It must be abolished. We call on Iran to uphold the rule of law and due process.

We support the adoption of the draft resolution.

Thank you.