STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 63rd Session
Item 9 - Interactive Dialogue on the reports of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement
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
29 September 2026
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President,
The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the High Commissioner as well as the International Independent Expert Mechanism for their reports and for their continued contribution to advance the full enjoyment of human rights of people of African descent worldwide, including in law enforcement.
We remain firmly committed to combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in all their forms. We are concerned that structural inequalities, injustice and discrimination when it comes to law enforcement continue to affect people of African descent in many societies, including our own. In our view, lasting change will depend on a systemic approach across critical pillars of society.
We welcome the High Commissioner’s focus on legal and enforcement framework for racial justice and equality. We also note the suggestions by the Independent Expert Mechanism and recognize the need to prioritizing public health and harm reduction.
President,
What measures do the High Commissioner and the Independent Expert Mechanism consider most effective for ensuring that racial justice and equality in law enforcement are translated in the into concrete improvements in the lives of people of African descent?
Thank you.