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.
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.
International efforts to combat the death penalty
The right to life is enshrined in both global and regional human rights conventions. The right to life and respect for human dignity and inviolability are the underlying principles on which all other human rights and the fundamental principles of the rule of law are based. The use of the death penalty is a violation of these principles, and is in itself inhumane.
Extended mandate for human rights defenders
The UN Human Rights Council has 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.
Related topics
Current
Statement at conference on human rights
2018-06-18: '2018 marks the anniversaries of two breakthroughs: 70 years ago we adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 20 years ago we adopted the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders. This calls for celebration, reflection and action', Minister of Foreign Affairs said at the conference «The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70. Human Rights and Inclusive citizenship: Conditions for Co-existence in Conflict-Ridden Societies”.
Increased efforts for free-dom of religion or belief
2018-05-15: 'The Government has proposed a NOK 10 million increase in its funding for civil society's international efforts to promote human rights. This additional funding will be used to strengthen efforts to promote freedom of expression and freedom of religion or belief,' Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide said according to the revised budget.
Freedom of the press under threat
2018-05-03: World Press Freedom Day has been celebrated for the 25th time. The international focus for the day is the importance of the media as a watchdog keeping power in check. 'Freedom of the press is the cornerstone of any vibrant democracy. All countries must protect journalists who are performing their role as a critical corrective in society,' Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said.
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, Oslo