STATEMENT
44th UPR Session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, as delivered by Ms Jannicke GRAATRUD, Minister, Deputy Permanent Representative, the Permanent Mission of Norway in Geneva.
Check against delivery
14 November 2023
President,
Vice President,
We welcome the delegation from Azerbaijan, we remain deeply concerned about the human rights developments in Azerbaijan, and since the last hearing, we have noted the additional restrictions placed on the media with particular concern.
Norway recommends that Azerbaijan:
- Reverse the implementation of the media law from 2022 to ensure the freedom of expression and adhere to European Council’s standards for the freedom of expression and the media;
- Ensure that provisions of the Lawyers’ Code of Conduct that interfere with lawyers’ right to freedom of expression and other human rights are amended to adhere to international standards;
- Immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners arrested on political grounds;
- Secure the rights and fundamental freedoms of all minorities, including ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.
I thank you.