STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 49th Session.
Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner, reports on OHCHR activities in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, OHCHR report on Cyprus and oral update on Eritrea.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith, Permanent Representative of Norway.
Check against delivery
8 March 2022
President,
It is more important than ever that we rally to protect the rules-based international order, with the UN Charter and respect for human rights at its core. Russia’s war against Ukraine is a tragic reminder.
Norway will continue to support those who are working tirelessly to ensure these rights on behalf of all of us. We will continue to be a clear voice for civil society and for safeguarding of civic space.
To this end, we have presented at this session of the Council a resolution on human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in conflict and post-conflict situations.
Madame High Commissioner,
You can count on Norway’s strong and continued support for the independence of your mandate, and for the vital role that of your Office in the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide. This includes Guatemala and Colombia.
In Guatemala, we share the concern for the deterioration in the Rule of Law and independence of the Judiciary, and the worsening situation for human rights defenders and journalists.
In Colombia, we are deeply concerned about the security situation of human rights defenders, especially for women and environmental human rights defenders, and indigenous and Afro-Colombian leaders.
Continued efforts are needed to protect human rights defenders and their work, and to avoid that the attacks against them are left in impunity.
Thank you.