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Promoting abolition of the death penalty

The fight against the death penalty is gradually gaining ground. Our efforts are paying off. However, opposition remains strong. That is why we are now stepping up the fight and have produced new guidelines setting out what the Foreign Service can

Statement by Foreign Minister Eide on the planned execution of Erfan Soltani

'The planned execution of Erfan Soltani is unacceptable and must be stopped,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Gender and sexual diversity

In countries across the world LGBT+ persons are exposed to discrimination and abuse. Everyone is entitled to universal human rights and freedoms, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In many countries, there has been a positive

The Government's international work to promote democracy and the rule of law

The Norwegian government promotes democracy and the rule of law because we believe that respecting individual fundamental rights and upholding democratic principles are essential for lasting peace and stability. When there is a lack of participation

Women's rights and gender equality

The aim of Norway's work for gender equality is to increase the opportunities available to women and girls, promote their right to self-determination and further their empowerment. This is crucial if all girls and boys, women and men are to have

Foreign policy address to the Storting 2025

By Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide Stortinget, 8 April 2025

Time is running out

This week, I am visiting Israel and Palestine, 30 years since the first Oslo Accords were signed. As I see it, while the situation may seem bleak, the two-state solution is still the most viable path towards peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

By Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt chronicle in Aftenposten

State Secretary Maria Varteressian’s speech at the opening of The Lety u Písku Memorial to the Holocaust of the Roma and Sinti in Bohemia

Your Excellency President Pavel, Members of the Czech Government, Distinguished Guests, Dear Descendants of the Roma and Sinti Holocaust Victims, I am both honoured and touched to represent the Norwegian Government here in Lety today. For many of

By State Secretary Maria Varteressian

Foreign policy address to the Storting 2023

'Foreign policy does not have a long shelf life. When the world changes, so do our options for action', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt in her address to the Norwegian parliament (Stortinget).

By Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt

Norway's response to the CPT report (2024) 49

Making the case for democracy

Article by the following Nordic Foreign Ministers: Jeppe Kofod (Denmark), Pekka Haavisto (Finland), Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir (Iceland), Ann Linde (Sweden) and Anniken Huitfeldt.

By Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt 2 September

Statement at Ministerial round table at the Commission on the Status of Women

State Secretary Bjørg Sandkjær’s statement at Ministerial round table at the Commission on the Status of Women: “Fostering inclusive innovation and technological change to empower women and girls and create safer digital spaces”

By State Secretary Bjørg Sandkjær

The Foreign Minister's opening speech at the conference on protecting children in armed conflict

Minister Anniken Huitfeldt’s opening speech at the conference on protecting children in armed conflict. Norway is hosting the conference that takes place in Oslo, Norway.

By Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt

Closing statement at the conference on protecting children in armed conflict

Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt’s closing statement at the conference on Protecting Children in Armed Conflict, 6 June 2023. Norway hosted the conference that took place in Oslo, Norway.

By Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt

Opening statement by Prime Minister Støre at the European Conference on Democracy and Human Rights

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very grateful for this opportunity to address this important conference. I am sorry I could not be with you, but I am happy to share with you a few ideas and inputs to your important discussions.

By Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre Video statement, Kristiansand

Speech by State Secretary Maria Varteressian during the Badge of Honor ceremony to human rights advisor Iver Ørstavik, Polish Ministry of Justice

State Secretary Maria Varteressian delivered remarks during the Polish Minister of Justice’s Badge of Honour ceremony, awarded to Norwegian human rights advisor Iver Ørstavik. Ørstavik was honored for his tireless efforts for democratic values and

By State Secretary Maria Varteressian

Meld. St. 20 (2024–2025) - Promoting democracy, rule of law and human rights in Europe

Meld. St. 20 (2024–2025) Report to the Storting (white paper)

Three decades ago, we experienced a strengthening of democratic values and multilateral co-operation. Today, the situation is starkly different. Globalisation has stalled amidst rising great power rivalry and deepening polarisation. We are

New grant scheme to strengthen Ukrainian civil society

Civil society in Ukraine has a key role to play in uniting the country and building resilience against Russia's war of aggression. Norway is allocating NOK 70 million to a newly launched, application-based scheme to support the work of Ukrainian

Statement by Foreign Minister Eide and Minister of International Development Aukrust on Humanitarian Access to Gaza

- After 18 months of war, the situation in Gaza is catastrophic. It is unacceptable that Israel has blocked humanitarian aid and supplies for two months. Under international law, Israel is obliged to facilitate aid to the Palestinian population. I

Statement by Minister of International Development Åsmund Aukrust on mass displacement from the Zamzam IDP camp

'I am deeply appalled by the recent brutal attacks by the RSF on the Zamzam, Abu Shouk and al-Salam camps for internally displaced people as well as on the city of Al Fasher in North Darfur. Both those who had to flee the camps and those that are