STATEMENT
Human Rights Council 63rd Session
Item 4 - General Debate
Statement delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN,
Permanent Representative of Norway.
22 September 2026
Check against delivery
Journalists and media workers play a key role in holding power accountable and defending human rights. For this very reason, many are forced into exile. Journalists in exile increasingly face transnational repression.
Many states seek to deter, silence or punish critical, independent reporting across borders. This is done through acts of violence, intimidation or harassment, surveillance and cyberattacks, as well as pressure on relatives, directly or by proxy.
We are deeply concerned by Russia’s targeting of journalists abroad. Reports document surveillance, cyberattacks, intimidation and violent plots, as well as misuse of domestic legislation.
Iranian authorities persecute exiled media and journalists through threats of violence, hacking, surveillance and infiltration.
Similar patterns of transnational repression have been reported in several states, among them, Belarus, China, Egypt, Nicaragua, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and Türkiye.
Norway calls on all States to protect journalists in exile, investigate threats and attacks, and hold perpetrators accountable. States must take effective measures to prevent and respond to transnational repression.
Thank you.