UNGA78 Third Committee
Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
Statement delivered by H.E. Ms. Merete Fjeld Brattested, Permanent Representative of Norway to the UN on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic Countries
12 October 2023, New York
Chair,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the eight Nordic-Baltic states.
We welcome the Special Rapporteur and thank her for her continued efforts to give visibility and recognition to the contributions of human rights defenders as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
It is deeply concerning to hear about the risks that women human rights defenders face, especially those working for gender equality, rights of LGBTI persons and against gender-based violence. We condemn attacks and reprisals against human rights defenders.
The report shows the impact of women human rights defenders. We call on all states to strengthen the protection of women human rights defenders, and to support the participation of women human rights defenders in UN meetings, networks, processes, and events.
Special rapporteur,
How can the General Assembly contribute to ensuring that the UN has the adequate tools to assist Member States in ensuring protection for women human rights defenders?