Support for the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Madam High Commissioner,

We thank you for your update on human rights issues of special concern to you and your office. Norway shares these concerns. We appreciate the concrete and frank nature of your statement, demonstrating your true commitment to the defence of human rights everywhere. Indeed, it is key that we address vigorously the persistent gaps between pledges and national realities. The Human Rights Council must do its part by acting on human rights violations wherever and whenever they take place.

Promoting human rights is not a theoretical exercise. The measure of our success is how we can improve the situation for people. Human rights defenders are spearheading this work and deserve our respect and protection. Freedom of expression is fundamental to their work. Indeed, such freedom is fundamental in order to promote dynamic and innovative societies. If we are to meet pressing global challenges of today, such as poverty, climate change, peace and reconciliation, we must allow our populations to realize their full potential.

Madam High Commissioner,

The Durban Review Conference was a revealing example of what can be achieved when we act with a shared purpose. The outcome document sends a strong message on the need to intensify our common efforts to fight racism and racial discrimination. A key message from the Durban Review is that we need to strengthen the focus on implementation of the Durban Declaration and Program of Action.

Enhancing the effectiveness, visibility and coherence of the follow-up mechanisms is of utmost importance in order to achieve this goal. Another key message from the Durban Review is that the principles of equality and non-discrimination are fundamental to international human rights law. Yet everywhere in the world women and girls are more exposed to violations of rights than men.

Whether we speak of physical safety, poverty, allocation of resources and property or access to health and education women and girls enjoy fewer rights than men. This Council must play its important role in changing these dismal realities. When discrimination against women is embedded in the law it is particularly serious as it leaves women with no legal recourse. We support your view that eliminating discrimination is a duty of the highest order.

Madam High Commissioner,

This year we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women, CEDAW. Article 2 of the Convention commits State Parties to modify or abolish existing laws that discriminate against women.

Pledges were also made at the Beijing World Conference on Women in 1995 where governments undertook to revoke any remaining laws that discriminate on the basis of sex. An important obstacle to achieve this goal is the many reservations by state parties to CEDAW. The CEDAW Committee has on several occasions called on states to review their reservations. Norway fully supports this call.

Madam High Commissioner,

Dr Banda’s report on inequality before the law shows that this is a global challenge. The Human Rights Council must rise to this challenge, in keeping with the letter and spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter. Norway warmly welcomes the joint initiative by Colombia and Mexico on discrimination against women.

We call on the Human Rights Council to address this issue with urgency and resolve. This initiative can be an important answer to the challenge of finding more efficient ways to promote and protect human rights. Madam High Commissioner, We call on your continued leadership and support in this significant endeavour, and warmly welcome the strong gender focus in your statement.

In closing and as a new member of this Council, let me underline that Norway is committed to working constructively with all countries, groups and civil society, as well as with you Madam High Commissioner and with your office. The world needs more not less human rights. Jointly we must make this Council a success to the benefit of mankind.

Thank you.

Link: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights