52nd SESSION OF THE UPR WORKING GROUP
Statement Norway
on the human rights situation in Niger
delivered by Ms Eli Marie SMEDSRUD,
First Secretary, Human Rights
Check against delivery
4 May 2026
President,
Norway welcomes Niger’s participation in the UPR review and appreciates the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue on human rights. However, since the military coup in 2023, the human rights situation in Niger has deteriorated.
Norway recommends that Niger:
- Comply with its international human rights and humanitarian law obligations, ensure that security forces respect these obligations, and releases individuals held in arbitrary detention.
- Take necessary steps towards an inclusive transition to restore democratic constitutional order, including respect for freedom of expression and political pluralism.
- Ensure needed action to promote gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights, including access to sexual and reproductive health and rights and girls’ access to education, to improve protection, health outcomes and opportunities, including the prevention of child marriage and early pregnancy.
Thank you.