Item 4 - General debate. Norway. (24.09.2024)

STATEMENT

Human Rights Council 57th Session.
Item 4 - General debate.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway.

 

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24 September 2024

Thank you Mr. President,

Freedom of expression, press freedom and access to reliable information are essential for uncovering human rights violations.

Still, journalists are harassed, threatened, imprisoned and even killed – because of the job they do.

In Belarus, the authorities have resorted to censorship, violence, mass arrests, and raids on homes and offices to silence independent journalists.

In Russia almost all independent media have been banned or blocked. Journalists face risk to their security and life, and many receive long term prison sentences. 

In Azerbaijan, the crackdown on independent media outlets, mass arrests and arbitrary detentions of journalists and civil society actors continues in the runup to COP29.

China has over many years been one of the largest jailers of journalists, the latest development in Hong Kong is a clear continuation of this worrying trend. 

The world’s most dangerous place for journalists is Gaza. At least 116 media workers and journalists are reported to have been killed since October 7, 2023.

In Iran, more than 100 journalists have been interrogated, detained, or imprisoned since the start of the protest movement following the death of Mahsa Amini.

Journalists have been targeted by the warring parties in Sudan, leading to serious underreporting of the world’s largest displacement crisis.

President,

Intimidation, threats, attacks and murders against journalists and media workers cannot go unpunished. 

We call upon all states to ensure the protection of journalists and media workers in accordance with international law, including human rights law.  Thank you