STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 58th Session.
Statement at the introduction of the draft resolution on
human rights defenders. Statement delivered by
Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway.
Check against delivery
04 April 2025
President,
I have the honor to present the draft resolution L.27 titled “Human rights defenders and new and emerging technologies. Protecting human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in the digital age.”
Every three years, Norway presents this resolution to send a strong and unified message of recognition and support to human rights defenders around the world.
They play an essential role in promoting and protecting human rights both online and offline. This year’s resolution focuses on the positive and the negative aspects of new technologies for the important work that they do.
On the one hand, new technologies provide new tools for defenders to express their views.
But they also come with new challenges, such as online violence and harassment, censorship, content moderation and surveillance.
The point of departure is clear; human rights are the same, and apply in the same manner, online and offline.
Let me mention a few of the topical issues we address: The resolution speaks about access and connectivity, so as to bridge the digital divides that we know exist. It addresses violence, attacks and harassment online, an effective way of forcing individuals to silence. It speaks of so called lawfare against human rights defenders. It speaks of the need to protect privacy protection and sensitive data about who we are. And it addresses the role of business, not least the significant role of technology companies.
President,
We sincerely thank all delegations for engaging with us in a constructive manner. We have strived for an open process, counting 12 informal consultations and countless bilateral contacts.
President,
The subject matter of this text is important. It is also one on which there are different views in this room. That is why, I believe we should all take pride in the fact that we have managed to reach consensus – at a time of significant instability and challenges to the international system. The fact that we have 64 cosponsors, and counting, from all regions is a sign of broad support.
As part of the compromise we have reached, I will be orally revising the draft resolution. The revisions have been circulated to all and uploaded on e-deleGATE as well as the extranet.
President,
Let me end reiterating our gratitude to all colleagues that have supported and engaged with us, and by inviting the Council to adopt the resolution by consensus.
Thank you.