Statement by First Secretary Sean Lobo at the 43rd session of the Human Rights Council. Item 3 – Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation for human rights defenders. Delivered at 4 March 2020
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Thank you chair.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur Mr. Michel Forst’s, report to the Human Rights Council on the situation of human rights defenders.
Human rights defenders operating in conflict and post-conflict areas face grave risks of violence and human rights violations.
This includes women peacebuilders and human rights defenders, who has a decisive role to play in the peace and reconciliation work.
Norway therefore strongly supports the call for scaled up efforts to protect human rights defenders under the women, peace and security agenda.
What are some of the concrete measures that could be taken to ensure that cases of reprisals in conflict and post-conflict contexts, including against women human rights defenders, are followed up systematically?
Norway also recognize the tireless efforts of the Special Rapporteur in carrying out his mandate over the past years, and would like to express our sincere thanks for his contribution and valuable advice and guidance to the protection of human rights defenders. The Mandate has proven to be more relevant than ever, which is why Norway is working to ensure the renewal of this important mandate in the current session. We call on all States to support this cause.