Foreign Minister Jan Petersen delivered Norway’s main statement at the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva yesterday afternoon.

He condemned last week’s terrorist attacks in Madrid, and expressed Norway’s solidarity and sympathy with the victims. The Minister stated that terrorism demonstrates a total disrespect for human dignity and human rights, and underscored that the struggle against terrorism must be conducted within the boundaries of international law. Civil liberties such as the right to due legal process must not be sacrificed in the fight against terrorism. Any tolerance for the use of torture would be a serious setback.

Violations of human rights constitute a threat to international peace and security, and an obstacle to national stability and democratic development.

Mr Petersen confirmed that Norway fully subscribes to the universal and absolute abolition of the death penalty. He stressed in particular that the use of capital punishment against child offenders and offenders with mental disorders is totally unacceptable.

The Foreign Minister said that Norway will again this year present a resolution on human rights defenders, who make a valuable contribution to the promotion of human rights. He called for intensified efforts to combat violence against women and trafficking in women and children.