3C: The situation of human rights defenders - Joint Nordic-Baltic statement

Joint statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states (NB8) in the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Ms Mary Lawlor, delivered by PR Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, Permanent Mission of Norway to the United Nations.

12. Oct 2023

Chair,

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, and Norway.

We welcome the Special Rapporteur and thank her for her continued efforts to give visibility and recognition to the contributions of human rights defenders as we mark the 25^th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.

It is deeply concerning to hear about the risks that women human rights defenders face, especially those working for gender equality, rights of LGBTI persons and against gender-based violence, [in conflict, post-conflict and crisis situations]. We condemn attacks and reprisals against human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders.

The report shows the impact of women human rights defenders [in strengthening the rule of law and furthering gender equality, peace and justice]. We call on all states to strengthen the protection of women human rights defenders, and to support the participation of women human rights defenders in UN meetings, networks, processes, and events.

Special rapporteur,

We thank you for the report and its recommendations. How can the General Assembly contribute to ensuring that the UN has the adequate tools to assist Member States in ensuring protection for women human rights defenders?