STATEMENT
61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 10 – General Debate
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building.
Statement by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations Norway.
Check against delivery
27 March 2026
Thank you Vice President,
Norway thanks the High Commissioner and the OHCHR for continued efforts to provide technical assistance and capacitybuilding in close cooperation with Member States and civil society. Such support is essential to enabling States to meet their human rights obligations and to uphold the credibility and effectiveness of this Council.
This Session takes place amid mounting global pressures that challenge the multilateral system itself. Continued violations underscore the need for stronger preventive strategies across all regions.
At the same time, the United Nations itself faces an acute financial crisis. In this let us recall that Agenda item 10 remains a cornerstone of the Human Rights Council’s mandate. Safeguarding technical cooperation must remain at the forefront and be adequately resourced. Paying assessed contributions in full and on time is crucial. As is core support to OHCHR to safeguard its independence, integrity and flexibility.
Norway reaffirms its unwavering support for OHCHR and for a rulesbased multilateral system grounded in universal human rights. Technical assistance and capacitybuilding are essential not only for preventing violationsbut also for building prosperous andresilient societies that can address inequality, exclusion, and injustice.
We urge all Members to work constructively under item 10 and to ensure that the UN human rights system is equipped—politically and financially—to meet the challenges of this pivotal moment.
Thank you.