Item 6 - General Debate. JST GoF UPR. Norway (02.10.2024)

 STATEMENT

Human Rights Council 57th Session.
Item 6 - General Debate.

Joint Statement GoF of UPR.

Statement delivered by Mr. Martin Torbergsen, Minister Counsellor,  Permanent Representative of Norway.

                                                                                         
                                                                            Check against delivery

2 October 2024

President,

I make this joint statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of the UPR (Argentina, Armenia, Fiji, Pakistan, South Africa and my own country, Norway).

The purpose of this Group is to realize the objectives of resolution 51/30 on strengthening the UPR Voluntary Funds, one on participation and one on implementation.

The UPR continues to count on the participation of 100 % of the UN Member States, which we welcome and applaud. We are also encouraged by the increasing engagement of other stakeholders.

We also welcome the awareness throughout the UN that the UPR is a particularly impactful instrument for promoting and protecting human rights. In addition, South-South cooperation continues to be key to the success of the UPR.

As Chair of the Group, I’m pleased that the implementation of resolution 51/30 is moving ahead. Concrete steps have been taken to establish and deploy UPR dedicated capacity in the regions.

Furthermore, I’m pleased to note that the Office has reinforced the management of the Funds. Importantly, 60 % of available resources support requests from LDCs and SIDS. 

There is, however, a clear need to increase the contributions to the Funds. 

I therefore end by encouraging states to bolster the capacity of the UPR Voluntary Funds; that countries that have not contributed yet may consider doing so, and that previous donors may consider renewing their commitment.

Thank you.