STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 58th Session
High Level Segment.
Statement delivered by Mr. Espen Barth Eide,
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway
Check against delivery
24 February 2026
President, Excellencies, colleagues,
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights emerged from the ashes of the Second World War — written by people who had lived through global conflicts, economic depression, genocide and the near collapse of international order. They were not guided by naïve idealism but from harsh experience and a deep realist recognition that mankind simply could not continue as before. The world needed shared norms and principles to avoid yet another war.
At the heart lies a transformative conviction. Human dignity is universal. Every person has equal and inherent rights that no government can take away.
Today we see a growing willingness to disregard the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights. And we see this not only in authoritarian regimes, but also in countries that for decades have taken pride in calling themselves champions of human rights. Standards once considered universal are now being questioned, sometimes even dismantled. This should alarm us all.
Violations have become more frequent and severe, eroding the credibility of the rules that safeguard our security. This is starkly evident in Ukraine. Russia’s war of aggression is a blatant violation of the prohibition on the use of force, and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ukraine has the right to defend itself. The international community must uphold the principles at stake. This war is not only about the fate of Ukraine. It concerns all states that rely on law rather than power.
Human rights, peace and security and development are the pillars of the United Nations. They are all connected and indivisible. In my own country, trade unions are a driver for economic and social inclusion. This in turn fosters political and civil engagement. Human rights reinforce each other, that is the strength of the system we are here to defend
I am pleased to announce Norway’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council for 2028 to 2030. Our candidacy reflects our long-standing role as a principled defender of international law and a consistent supporter of the UN’s work to protect and promote human rights globally. Domestically, we also do our utmost to comply.
Norway stands firmly for the rights of women and girls, and for gender equality. We will remain a strong voice for freedom of religion or belief, and freedom of expression. And we will continue to support human rights defenders and civil society. Their work is essential for accountability and democratic resilience.
This session, Norway will lead the mandate renewal on human rights defenders. Our message is clear: those who stand up for the rights of others must be protected.
Norway will continue to support independent investigations into serious human rights situations. Accountability must apply everywhere, regardless of geography or political alignment. No state should be beyond scrutiny when fundamental rights are violated.
We will work with all partners and seek to reach common ground. The Human Rights Council is strongest when it builds bridges and focuses on its core mandate.
The Council must become more effective. The UN80 Initiative offers an important opportunity to strengthen the importance of human rights across the UN system. An optimized, coherent and efficient human rights architecture will benefit us all.
Mr. President,
Technological change is reshaping the human rights landscape. AI and emerging technologies offer major opportunities — but also significant risks. Norway is committed to ensuring that technologies are developed and used responsibly, transparently, and in line with human rights and international law.
Used responsibly, AI can strengthen equality, improve access to services, and support digital empowerment — enabling people to participate safely and confidently online.
This requires safeguarding privacy, countering discriminatory algorithms, protecting children online, and reducing the global digital divide. Technology must serve people, never the other way around.
The authority of this Council rests on our shared commitment to universal rights, fundamental freedoms, and the inherent value of every human being. When these principles are challenged, our response must be clear and consistent.
The world needs a strong Human Rights Council — and the Council needs states willing to act with integrity and resolve. Norway will continue to speak out, stand up, and work with all who defend dignity and freedom.
Thank you.