STATEMENT
61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur
on freedom of religion or belief.
Statement by Mr Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations Norway on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries
Check against delivery
3 March 2026
Thank you, Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and my own country Norway.
Mme Special Rapporteur,
We thank you for your comprehensive report and for its inclusive approach. You rightly highlight that funeral rites are protected under the right to manifest religion or belief in worship, observance, and practice.
Death and mourning are parts ofevery ones life and consequently a central aspects of most - if not all - religion or belief communities. We underline therefore that protection of human rights is particularly vital in such moments of grief and heightened vulnerability.
We recall our full commitment to these standards and to our collective efforts to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief including through your mandate.
Mme Special Rapporteur,
Here comes our question; beyond reporting, how can awareness of the importance of funeral and burial rights, as part of the manifestation of freedom of religion or belief, be further strengthened?
Thank you.