STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 53rd Session.
Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on
the human rights of internally displaced persons.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith on behalf of
the Nordic-Baltic Countries (NB8): Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden
Check against delivery
4 July 2023
I am pleased to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We congratulate the Special Rapporteur on her appointment and we thank her for the report, detailing her vision and thematic priorities.
We support the approach presented, building on the efforts made by her predecessors and momentum created by the High-Level panel on Internal Displacement, the Secretary General’s Action Agenda and the appointment of the Special Adviser on Solutions.
We also support the focus on a rights-based approach in the implementation of the mandate, recognizing IDPs as rights holders. Likewise, integration of a perspective that considers gender in all its diversity and recognition of specific vulnerabilities among IDPs is essential.
The recent steep increase and record numbers of IDPs resulting from armed conflicts, human rights violations, adverse effects of climate change and natural disasters are of grave concern. The trend must be addressed. The efforts by the Special Rapporteur are important for preventing growing numbers of IDPs, as well as improving the protection of and respect for their human rights.
The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly support the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and stand ready to assist her in its implementation.
Thank you.