UN General Assembly
2008

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, including the Helsinki Final Act. Sweden unreservedly supports the territorial integrity of Georgia. We call on Russia to fulfil its obligations in accordance with the six-point plan brokered by the European Union and to withdraw all forces to their positions before 7 August. This year marks the sixtieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. While celebrating the achievements, we recognize the challenges that remain. The Declaration’s historic article 21 on democracy, which reads in part: “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives”, is a perfect illustration of that point. Since 1948, millions of people have gained the freedom of democratic choice, while millions of others are still denied that freedom. Sweden places a strong emphasis on democracy and human rights in our development cooperation. Our efforts to make the Universal Declaration and other human rights norms a reality everywhere must also include the United Nations itself. Human rights should