Human Rights Council
54th Session
Item 9 - Interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights on drivers, root causes and human rights impacts of religious hatred constituting incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries
Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox
[Check against delivery]
5 October, 2023
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the High Commissioner for the oral update.
The Nordic Baltic countries strongly condemn all acts of discrimination, hostility or violence on the basis of religion or belief against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and minorities around the world and against their places of worship. We will continue to stand up for the right to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. These are mutually reinforcing and interdependent. We continue combatting all forms of intolerance and discrimination against individuals of any religious or belief affiliation with equal determination.
In accordance with Article 20 of the ICCPR, all states must prohibit advocacy of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence. In this regard, we emphasize existing international framework to draw from, including the Istanbul process framework and the Rabat Plan of Action.
High Commissioner,
In this context, how can your office make use of existing framework and standards in implementing the HRC resolution 53/1?
Thank you.