STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 60th Session
Item 10 - Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on oral update on Haiti (with participation of human rights expert).
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Permanent Representative of Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.
02 September 2025
President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic states.
We thank the High Commissioner for the update.
We remain gravely concerned by reports of ongoing and escalating human rights violations and abuses in Haiti. We reiterate our support for efforts to restore stability, rebuild democratic institutions, and ensure accountability.
Sexual and gender-based violence has reached unprecedented levels. Rape and sexual slavery are reportedly used as tools of intimidation and control by criminal gangs. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, while the collapse of judicial institutions and systemic weaknesses in the rule of law leave survivors with virtually no access to justice or protection.
The situation of children is particularly alarming. An entire generation is being deprived of their rights to safety and education.
There is, indeed, an urgent need for stronger international assistance — not only to curb the violence, but also to uphold human rights, protect civilians, including children, ensure accountability, support to victims and survivors, and facilitate the reintegration of children recruited by criminal gangs.
High Commissioner,
How can the international community best contribute to achieving these objectives?
Thank you.