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Human rights

The promotion of human rights and democratic principles is at the heart of Norwegian foreign policy. This policy is implemented both at the multilateral level – in forums such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe – and at country level.

Human rights

Issues relating to human rights and democracy are a high priority in both foreign and development policy. Whether we are supporting human rights defenders, promoting freedom of speech, fighting the death penalty, or supporting the development of democratic constitutions and free elections, safeguarding human rights is the guiding principle. Priority target groups for Norwegian human rights efforts are human rights defenders, minorities, women, children and indigenous peoples.

Norway’s human rights dialogues

Norway has started to cooperate more closely with countries where there are human rights challenges but at the same time potential for improvement through dialogue and contact. Currently, Norway is engaged in formal human rights dialogues of this kind with China, Indonesia and Vietnam.

Indigenous peoples in development cooperation

One of the aims of Norwegian development cooperation is to increase the focus on indigenous peoples, while taking an integrated approach to cooperation on indigenous issues.

Democracy, Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Europe: Strengthening the Impact of the Council of Europe’s Activities

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.05.2013]

- We meet at a very important moment. As we here from the Secretary General the founding principles of this organisation, democracy, human rights and the rule of law are again under pressure in Europa. We have to take that very seriously, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, in his statement at the Council of Europe's meeting.

Five Years of Challenging Power

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 14.05.2013]

- Promoting freedom, human rights, democracy and the rule of law is at the very top of Norway’s foreign policy agenda. Our engagement in this area is both a reflection of solidarity and of self-interest, said Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, in his remarks at the Oslo Freedom Forum.

Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Freedoms of Persons belonging to Religious Minorities

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 13.05.2013]

"Norway’s diplomatic and consular missions can play an important role by supporting human rights defenders in this field, asking the right questions, and providing information, for example in the Universal Periodic Review process under the Human Rights Council", write Minister of Foreign Afffairs, Mr. Eide, and Minister of International Development, Mr. Holmås, in this foreword.

Webcast: Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime - Minorities under Pressure in Europe and Beyond (day 1)

[Mediaobject, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10.05.2013]

On 14-15 May, international experts and stakeholders will gather in Oslo for a two-day conference on right-wing extremism and hate crime directed towards minorities in Europe and beyond.

Webcast: Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime - Minorities under Pressure in Europe and Beyond (day 2)

[Mediaobject, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10.05.2013]

Webcast

International Conference on Right-wing Extremism and Hate Crime in Europe and Beyond

[News story, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 07.05.2013]

On 14 May, international experts and stakeholders will gather in Oslo for a two-day conference on right-wing extremism and hate crime directed towards minorities in Europe and beyond.

Concern about judgment against Russian election watchdog Golos

[Press release, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 25.04.2013]

“The judgment against the NGO Golos and its leader, Lilia Shibanova, in Moscow today gives cause for concern. This is the first judgment to be passed since the recent amendments to Russian legislation on NGOs were introduced, and could make it more difficult for such organisations to work in the country,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Another step in the efforts to abolish the death penalty

[News story, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 22.04.2013]

The seventh meeting of the International Commission against the Death Penalty (ICDP) took place in Oslo on 15 and 16 April 2013.

Human Rights, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

[Guidelines and brochures, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.04.2013]

Norway is a staunch defender of human rights, including the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons (LGBT). We will have the courage to speak out when others are silent, say the new guidelines for the Norwegian Foreign Service.

How states abolish the death penalty

[Speech/article, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 16.04.2013]

"Norway gives high priority to the fight against the death penalty, and we oppose the death penalty in all circumstances as a matter of principle. Killing sanctioned by the state dehumanises society", Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide writes in his foreword in a publication by The International Commission against the Death Penalty.

More documents about this subject

Contact information

Section for Human Rights and Democracy

Telephone: +47 23951488

Address

Address
PO Box 8114 Dep.
N-0032 Oslo
Norway

Street address:
7. juni-plassen/ Victoria Terrasse

Human rights

Human rights

Contact information

Section for Human Rights and Democracy

Telephone: +47 23951488

Address

Address
PO Box 8114 Dep.
N-0032 Oslo
Norway

Street address:
7. juni-plassen/ Victoria Terrasse