Human Rights
Promoting human rights and principles of democracy lies in the heart of the Norwegian foreign policy. The implementation of this policy is carried out on a multilateral level, through the UN and the European Council, and at a national level. The Human Rights Council in Geneva is an important venue for the international human rights work. Although Norway's membership in the Human Rights Council ended in 2012, the Council will continue to be one of the most important forums for the promotion of Norwegian human rights politics. As an observer state, Norway will continue to play an active role as promoter, initiator, critic and liaison. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a leading institution in promoting and protecting human rights in the UN system, as human rights are increasingly relevant to peace and security, development and humanitarian efforts. OHCHR is an important partner for Norway, both in raising important human rights issues internationally and in affecting positive change at national level. Norway has been one of the largest contributors to the OHCHR for a number of years. In May 2011, Foreign Minister Støre and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay signed an agreement in on a financial contribution totaling NOK 180 million in support of the OHCHR’s activities in the period 2011–2013, mostly unearmarked. Norway’s total financial support in 2012 amounted to more than 11 million USD.
Norway expresses deep concern about the worsening security situation in all three states of Darfur and call upon the Government of Sudan to assume its responsibility to protect the lives of its citizens, and on all parties to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access to all those in need in Darfur. Read more
Norway expresses deep concern about ongoing Human Rights violations based on sexual orientation and gender identity on behalf of 54 states, including 18 members of the Human Rights Council. Read more
Norway expresses deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Darfur both with regard to security for the civilian population as well as to humanitarian assistance and protection of people in need during the interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Read more
Statement by Norway during the discussion on review of mandates, 5 December 2006. Read more
Statement by Norway during the discussion on a Complaints mechanism, 6 December 2006. Read more
Norway regrets the decision by the 3rd committee of the General Assembly to defer consideration and action on the Declaration on the rights of indigenous peoples and call upon all Member States to support the adoption of the Declaration by the General Assembly before the end of its sixty-first session. Read more
Statement by Norway during the discussion on Universal Periodic Review, 4 December 2006. Read more
Statement by Norway during the discussion on the Agenda of the Human Rights Council, 30 November 2006. Read more
Statement by Norway during the discussion on Expert Advice to the Human Rights Council, 7 December 2006. Read more
Norway condemns the massive use of military force by the Israeli Defence Forces in their attempts to stop the firing of homemade rockets from Gaza and underlines that all parties to the conflict have a responsibility to end the cycle of violence in the region. Read more