STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 60th Session
Item 5 - Interactive dialogue on the report of the Secretary-General on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway.
Check against delivery
24 September 2025
President,
We thank the Secretary General for his latest report on reprisals against those cooperating with the United Nations. We appreciate the report's overview of policy developments and good practice, and recommendations for addressing and preventing intimidation and reprisals.
Norway is a staunch supporter of human rights defenders and civil society. Civil society provides services and advocacy, including where governments fail to act. It gives valuable input in shaping policies, ensuring that decision-making is inclusive and rights-based. All civil society actors and human rights defenders who engage in international fora must be able to do so safely, freely and without fear.
We are deeply concerned by targeting of individuals who belong to the LGBT+ community or who advocate for their rights. Others at heightened risk include youth, women human rights defenders, peacebuilders and Indigenous Peoples, along with trade unionists, lawyers, journalists, victims of human rights violations and their relatives as well as witnesses.
Further, we note with concern that allegations of transnational repression have increased. Targeted repression across borders appears to be growing both in scale and sophistication.
President,
Member States bear the primary responsibility for preventing and addressing acts of intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the United Nations. We urge them to intensify their efforts.
I thank you.