His Excellency Erik Ullenhag and Her Excellency Maria Velasco
Swedish Consul General in New York; Swedish Ambassador to the Caribbean Community
His Excellency Erik Ullenhag currently serves as the Swedish Consul General in New York, after previously having served as the Swedish Ambassador to Israel and Jordan, and as the Swedish Minister of Integration. Her Excellency Maria Velasco, his wife, currently serves as the Swedish Ambassador to the Caribbean Community including Haiti, after previously having served as Sweden's Deputy Representative for the European Union to West Bank and Gaza, and as senior advisor to the UN Special Envoy for Yemen. In 2025, HE Velasco also served as the EU lead negotiator for the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women, and she has taken a special interest in the work being done by local women's organizations in Haiti to help provide shelter and basic services to overwhelming numbers in need. Throughout their careers, these Swedish diplomats have been strong advocates for gender equality and human rights, and they are proud to represent Sweden, where there is broad political support for the rights of women and girls.
"Silence is not an option. Violence against women and children is widespread, and women and girls are suffering from horrible experiences.. We all need to speak out for the right of every woman and every child. Violence against women and human trafficking must end. Women and children in regions of conflict or as refugees are the most exposed to sexual violence. At the same time, women are key for creating peace. Unfortunately, they are far too seldom present at the negotiation table."