STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 46th Session.
Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, including on the HC report on the DPRK (as per Res. 43/25) and the SG oral update on the involvement of the UN in Myanmar (as per Res. 43/26) - General Debate.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway
Check against delivery
15 March 2021
Madam President,
Norway is deeply concerned about the authoritarian development and deterioration of rule of law globally. Independent and impartial courts and justice systems are essential to safeguard human rights and to hold perpetrators to account.
We are impressed and encouraged by the peaceful public uprising against repression and attacks on democracy in many parts of the world.
In Myanmar, the military regime is violently trying to suppress the will and freedom of the people.
We are deeply concerned about the development in Hong Kong and situation for Uighurs and other minorities in Xinjiang.
No one shall be subject to arbitrary arrest or detention, and everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal.
In Russia and Belarus, pro-democracy protesters are arbitrarily arrested and the judiciary is used selectively against political opponents.
Madame President,
The violence and attacks taking place in Tigray in Ethiopia is alarming. Perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses must be held to account.
Human Rights and fundamentals freedoms must be respected.
We call on Iran and Saudi Arabia to protect human rights and take measures towards more transparency, rule of law and independence of the judiciary.
I thank you