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
Norway concerned by arrests of activists in Azerbaijan
‘The arrest of several people with links to the opposition, including Natiq Jafarli of the Republican Alternative movement, gives cause for concern,’ said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tore Hattrem.
Essential to step up international efforts in South Sudan
‘The fighting in South Sudan is continuing. Norway supports proposals for a new regional protection force in the capital and a strengthening of the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The Security Council must adopt targeted sanctions and an arms embargo, as called for by the UN Secretary-General,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
Opening Speech at the World Congress against the Death Penalty
Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende held the speech at the 6th World Congress Against the Death Penalty opening ceremony in Oslo 21 June 2016.
Documents
White paper
Meld. St. 10 (2014–2015)
Opportunities for All: Human Rights in Norway’s Foreign Policy and Development Cooperation
White paper
Meld. St. 25 (2013-2014)
Education for Development: The way to development is via knowledge generation, information and skills. Education lays the groundwork for individuals’ and societies’ development and is essential for development and growth.
Resources
Contact
Section for Human Rights and Democracy
E-mail: mrsek@mfa.no
Phone: +47 23951488
Address: Postboks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo
Visitor address: 7. juni plassen 1/ Victoria Terrasse 7,