Chair,
As we mark the 80th anniversary of the UN, this is a time not only for reflection, but for renewal.
Norway’s commitment to the universal, indivisible, and interdependent nature of all human rights is unwavering. This is a cornerstone of our foreign and development policy, and it is a reflection of our values as a society. The protection and promotion of human rights must remain a central pillar of the UN as we collectively shape the future of this organisation.
Over the past year, the world has again witnessed an unacceptable number of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. We have seen an increased willingness to disregard important lessons of the past and ignore our responsibility to stand up for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The UN charter, international humanitarian law and human rights must be respected and protected. Violations are unacceptable. If states can violate international law without being held into account, the system of a rules-based international order will lose its credibility.
The last weeks the Human Rights Council has addressed several serious country-specific situations. Norway will also support the work in this committee to address severe human rights situations.
Human rights are under pressure in many parts of the world. We see increasing crackdowns on civil society. Journalists, human rights defenders, and minorities are being silenced. Discrimination, hate speech, and repression are on the rise.
Norway is deeply concerned by this global backsliding. We call on all Member States to uphold their obligations under international human rights law. We particularly urge those governments who seek to limit civic space or target vulnerable groups to reconsider. Societies flourish when their citizens are free to speak and organise, to participate and contribute. And this includes women’s contributions.
Chair,
We are currently witnessing a regression of women and girls’ human rights and a backlash against feminist movements. Hard-won progress is slowly eroding.
Women’s rights, along with the rights of LGBTI+ persons, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and ethnic and religious minorities, serve as a crucial barometer for the level of health of any society. Denying these groups their rights weaken the very foundation of our societies and undermineundermines the principles of equality, non-discrimination, and accountability.
Norway continues to stand by the principles of the Beijing Platform for Action. This is the year we celebrate what we have achieved since its adoption 30 years ago: Hard-won rights, which we are determined to protect. Norway remains committed to push back efficiently against destructive forces aiming to take away fundamental rights. We will not accept a world becoming less safe for women.
In Norway, ensuring the rights of women and girls and gender equality has the highest priority – nationally and globally. We are committed to defending the normative agenda. SRHR remains a cornerstone of our international engagement.
Bodily autonomy – women and girls right to make decisions over their own bodies - is an essential priority in the struggle for gender equality and a prerequisite for equal and prosperous societies.
As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we reaffirm our dedication to the Women, Peace and Security agenda, recognizing the vital role women play in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery.
Norway will continue to work with partners, civil society, and multilateral institutions to advance gender equality and defend the rights of women and girls everywhere.
All individuals have the right to live their lives free from discrimination and violence, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. We commend states for making progress in protecting LGBTI+ rights and call on others to fulfill their international obligations.
We are gravely concerned by the use of new technologies to suppress freedom of expression and undermine privacy. Digital tools must be used to empower people, not control them. Norway supports efforts to regulate artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies in ways that respect international human rights standards. We also support efforts to counteract misinformation and hate speech that can undermine free expression and democratic processes by manipulating public opinion.
Norway stands ready to work with all Member States to protect the dignity and freedom of every human being. We pledge to support the work of this Committee and to keep human rights at the heart of everything we do — at home, and across the world.
Thank you Chair.