Human rights
Topic
The promotion of human rights and democratic principles is at the heart of Norwegian foreign policy. This policy is implemented both in international forums such as the UN, the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and at country level.
Norway intensifies efforts to promote human rights
‘Human rights are under pressure internationally. Norway will therefore step up its efforts to promote and protect human rights,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende when he presented a white paper on human rights in Norway’s foreign and development policy.
Extended mandate for human rights defenders
On Friday 28 March, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a draft resolution introduced by Norway, and extended the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders for a period of three years.
Guidelines on Norway’s human rights policy
The promotion of human rights is a key component of Norway’s foreign and development policy. As part of its efforts to ensure an integrated human rights policy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has published several sets of guidelines on different aspects of human rights.
Related topics
Current
Support for religious minorities doubled
05.04.17: Few groups are more vulnerable in wars and conflicts than religious minorities. They are subject to severe abuse in several countries. The list is long: ISIL's attacks on the Yazidis in Iraq, the pressure on Christian minorities in the Middle East, and the attacks on Christians and Shia Muslims in Pakistan. This is why the Government is doubling its support for religious minorities.
Calling on everyone to stand up for human rights
10.12.16: Human rights are under pressure. This means that the rights we take for granted in Norway are being violated in many other countries, and to a greater extent than before. People living in countries afflicted by war and conflict are particularly vulnerable, but this also applies for peaceful countries.
Statement at 34th session of the Human Rights Council
28.02.17: State Secretary Marit Berger Røsland delivered Norway's speech at the Annual High-Level Panel at the Human Rights Council's session in Geneva.
Documents
White paper
Meld. St. 10 (2014–2015)
Opportunities for All: Human Rights in Norway’s Foreign Policy and Development Cooperation
National Action Plan
Business and Human Rights
The present national action plan is intended to enable the business sector to follow the UN Guiding Principles.
Resources
Contact
Section for Human Rights, Democracy and Gender Equality
E-mail: mrsek@mfa.no
Phone: +47 23951488
Address: Postboks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo
Visitor address: 7. juniplassen 1 / Victoria Terrasse 7,