STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 51st Session.
ITEM 2 - A/HRC/51/L.6
Debate on the situation of human rights in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China - Introduction
Statement delivered by Ambassador Tine Mørch Smith,
Permanent Representative of Norway
Check against delivery
6 October 2022
Mr. president,
Norway, together with the other Nordic countries; Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, is pleased to be among the main sponsors of this draft decision.
The Nordic countries are strong supporters of international cooperation and multilateral institutions. The UN human rights system and its independent mandates and offices are vital for the promotion and protection of human rights.
The Human Rights Council is responsible for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations.
On 31 August, the High Commissioner for Human Rights presented an assessment which concluded that serious human rights violations have been committed against Uyghurs and other minorities in Xinjiang, China.
We believe that this merits a discussion in this Council.
All states are responsible for ensuring compliance with their international human rights obligations.
In the decision we are putting forward, we are calling for a debate to discuss the human rights situation in Xinjiang.
This will be a valuable opportunity for all states to engage and express their views. We welcome an open discussion with China.
Today, we ask for your support to facilitate this multilateral dialogue, in line with our duty under the UN Charter and our responsibility as members and observers of this Council by voting in favour of this decision.