National and Nordic-Baltic Statements during the 56th session of the Human Rights Council
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 2: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar
Statement by Denmark on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
18 June 2024
High Commissioner,
Thank you for this update.
We, the Nordic-Baltic States, remain deeply disturbed by the frequent and credible reports of serious violations and abuses of human rights and international law in Myanmar.
From across the country, we hear about military attacks causing civilian fatalities, including women, children and persons belonging to ethnic minorities. Aerial attacks and shelling of homes, schools, places of worship and hospitals. Mass killings, persecution, torture and sexual and gender-based violence. The forced and prolonged recruitment of conscripts, including forced recruitment of children, exacerbates the civil war and disrupts society at every level and fuels identity-based violence.
We call for an immediate end to all violations and abuses against civilians, the provision of full and unhindered humanitarian access, the release of all political prisoners, and an inclusive dialogue with meaningful participation of all stakeholders.
Myanmar must comply with the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures order.
High Commissioner, what actions should external actors prioritize in the face of rising communal tensions, including in Rakhine?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th Session
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied
Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and in Israel
Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden and Norway
19 June 2024
Mr. President,
I speak on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic States.
Our countries have condemned Hamas’ terror attacks of October 7. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
We thank the IICoI for its reporting, and note with concern reports of violations of international law, including IHL, and massive human rights violations in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. We stress the need to cooperate with relevant HRC mechanisms and to fully respect their mandate and independence. The IICoI should be granted access to all areas.
We welcome the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2735, with a roadmap leading to an enduring ceasefire, release of hostages and a surge of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. We urge both parties to fully implement it without delay. The fighting and suffering must end now.
There is a need to ensure accountability for violations of international law by all parties. We reiterate our support for the work and independence of the international judicial institutions, including the ICC and the ICJ, and urge all sides to respect international law, including IHL. We further stress Israel’s obligation to comply with the provisional measures issued by the ICJ.
It is crucial to restore hope of a two-state solution based on internationally recognized borders and international law, including the right to self-determination. Israelis and Palestinians have a right to live in peace, dignity and security.
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on oral update of the Fact-Finding Mission on the Sudan
Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
18 June 2024
Mr. President,
On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, we thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its presentation and regret that the mission is still hampered by the UN liquidity crisis.
Sudan’s civil war has caused one of the world’s worst humanitarian and human rights catastrophes, with unimaginable suffering, including for women, children, and other civilians. More than ten million people are displaced, and millions are on the verge of famine.
Reports of ethnically motivated violence, conflict-related sexual-and gender-based violence and disappeared or detained human rights defenders, are extremely concerning. We welcome the recent Security Council resolution and the ICC
We welcome the recent investigation [into allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity] and condemn all attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including the recent attacks on MSF’s Hospital in El Fasher.
This must stop. Violations and abuses of IHL and International Human Rights Law must have consequences. The cycle of impunity must be broken.
We urge the parties to agree to a sustained ceasefire and adhere to their international humanitarian law obligations, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access.
We encourage all parties to cooperate with the FFM and allow access.
How can regional actors, including the AU and IGAD, contribute to your work?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 2: Enhanced Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan
Statement by Finland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Finland
18 June 2024
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries. We thank the Special Rapporteur for the report, which gives impartial information and contributes to accountability.
The de facto authorities’ institutionalized system of discrimination, segregation and exclusion of women and girls in Afghanistan is increasingly alarming. It has severe social and economic consequences, causes trauma, suicide and loss of life. It may affect security beyond the country’s borders. This institutionalised system of gender oppression may amount to gender persecution. Afghanistan remains a party to several international conventions.
Despite severe limitations, you, women and girls of Afghanistan, with immense courage and determination, contribute as active agents to the wellbeing of the Afghan society and families. This deserves the full recognition of the international community.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, how can the international community work to support full, equal and meaningful participation of women in deliberations about Afghanistan’s future?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 2: Interactive dialogue on the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Statement by Iceland
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
We thank the High Commissioner for his sobering account.
The number and severity of crises in the High Commissioner’s update is a stark warning that human rights are under attack and that no country is immune from regression.
It is also a stark reminder that unless grievances and drivers of tension, violence and conflict are addressed at the micro and macro level, we must anticipate proliferation of armed conflicts, both international and non-international.
Collective failure of ensuring universal respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law comes at a hefty price; measurable through human suffering and death, and in financial terms.
The fallacy that the enjoyment of human rights of some is a threat to others must be countered. We agree that we must embrace inclusivity and challenge harmful narratives. Any form of hate speech is dangerous for social cohesion and a harbinger of worse to come, to quote the High Commissioner.
We are dismayed by the continued corrosion of the multilateral and rules-based international system. The increase in attacks, threats and reprisals, both online and offline, against international institutions, judiciaries and mechanisms is not only unacceptable, but also precarious.
Mr. President,
Looking towards the future, we must recognize that full respect and enjoyment of human rights is indispensable, and this Council must do its part.
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
High-level informal presidential discussion: “The link between climate change, food security and health security, and their impact on the enjoyment of human rights”
Statement by Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
I am honoured to speak on behalf of the Nordic Baltic states – Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, Sweden, and my own country, Lithuania.
I would like to begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for organizing this important discussion during the Human Rights Council session, focusing on the intersectionality of climate change, food security, health security, and human rights.
Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a fundamental threat to human rights. It exacerbates global hunger and malnutrition, impacting over 333 million people facing acute food insecurity. In the last twelve months, we have seen record levels of ocean heat, sea level rise, glacier retreat, and wildfires. Intense rainfall, floods, and tropical cyclones have left a trail of destruction, death, and huge economic losses. Our planet is at breaking point.
These alarming realities underscore the urgent need for integrated solutions. Only with concerted, rapid, and comprehensive action, we can still avert the most devastating consequences of climate change.
The Nordic Baltic states are committed to addressing these interlinked challenges through a human rights-based approach. We emphasize the importance of integrating climate resilience into food and health systems, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
With the triple planetary crisis hitting persons in the most vulnerable situations the hardest, climate action must be inclusive, ensuring the participation of all stakeholders, particularly those who are disproportionately affected, including women, children, Indigenous Peoples, and LGBTQ+ persons. We must uphold the principles of justice and equity, ensuring that climate policies do not exacerbate existing inequalities but rather promote the full enjoyment of human rights for all.
In conclusion, addressing climate change, food security, and health security is imperative for safeguarding human rights. The Nordic Baltic states reaffirm our commitment to this cause and call on the international community to intensify efforts to mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts, ensuring a sustainable future.
I thank you.
Human Rights Council ‒ 56th session
Item 2 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Eritrea
Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.
We welcome Eritrea’s participation in UPR and note efforts on certain social rights such as education and health. Eritrea is, however, marked by systematic violations of civil and political rights, including the continued absence of rule of law, lack of access to justice, the stifling of civic engagement, and severe curtailment of freedom of expression, association and assembly.
We remain deeply concerned by reports of continued Eritrean involvement in human rights violations in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. We urge the Government to immediately cease such practise, withdraw any remaining Eritrean forces and investigate all alleged breaches of international law.
We call on the Eritrean Government to release all those arbitrarily detained, to end the practice of arbitrary detention, and to develop independent rule-of-law institutions to protect human rights. We condemn violations of human rights in the context of the national service.
Once again, we call on Eritrea to fully co-operate with the Council’s mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur full and unhindered access to the country.
How can Eritrean human rights defenders and civil society organizations best be supported in their efforts to advocate for human rights in Eritrea?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden and Iceland
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We reiterate our unwavering support for the work of the Independent Expert and this critical mandate.
Legislation that limits the human rights to freedom of opinion and expression, association, and peaceful assembly due to sexual orientation and gender identity is nothing new. However, recent years have seen an escalation in the number and breadth of constrictive laws. Such laws and practices are in violation of states’ international human rights obligations and have a chilling effect on civil society and the vital work of human rights defenders advocating for the full and equal enjoyment of human rights of LGBTQI+ persons.
Discriminatory restrictions include criminalizing public displays of same-sex affection, adopting policies against comprehensive sexuality education, and refusing to register organizations that work on sexual orientation or gender identity. The proliferation of such policies, which goes hand in hand with a pushback on the human rights of LGBTIQ persons in UN fora, must be countered.
What should states, tech companies and civil society do to ensure online safety for LGBTQI+ persons, in order to safeguard their human rights and protect persons from digital violence and hate speech?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons
Statement by Norway on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
20 June 2024
Mr. President,
The Nordic-Baltic countries thank the Special Rapporteur for her strong engagement for IDPs and for her latest report.
In order to prevent displacement due to climate change, we need to enhance our efforts on climate adaptation, resilience building and disaster prevention. However, in exceptional situations, relocations become inevitable. To lay the foundation for durable solutions, governments must ensure that relocations are well planned, consistent with human rights standards and based on an integrated approach.
Measures must be taken to protect groups with a special dependency on their lands. Potential barriers and conflicts over land tenure and scarce resources in relocation areas must be addressed. A conducive environment for an inclusive and sustainable livelihood for the relocated population must also be established. Planned relocations might particularly have negative impact on Indigenous Peoples, and specific attention is needed to ensure their rights and cultural identity. Likewise, gender-responsive approaches and recognition of specific vulnerabilities are essential.
We need to better prioritise support to these situations within existing funding mechanisms.
How can best practice be shared to ensure that relocations are conducted without discrimination and in line with human rights safeguards and principles?
I thank you.
Human Rights Council – 56th session
Item 3: Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences
Statement by Iceland on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries
21 June 2024
Mr. President,
I deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
Women in prostitution risk facing multiple forms of violence from clients, procurers, and traffickers. Often coupled with many intersecting forms of discrimination and inequalities. The prevalent impunity in many countries is a serious concern. We are also concerned about the new ways created by digital technologies to exploit women and girls sexually. Further cooperation with tech companies is necessary to address all forms of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
Prostitution poses a major obstacle to social equality, gender equality and achieving the goals of Agenda 2030. In this context, children – in particular girls, transgender women, indigenous women, women with disabilities and LGBTQI women may be in a particularly vulnerable situation. Change is necessary. By taking a transformative approach to address the root causes of gender inequalities we can create societies where the human rights of women and girls are fully protected, respected, and fulfilled. We need to dismantle discriminating societal structures so that women and girls in all their diversity can live their lives free from coercion and violence. And have the power to decide over their own bodies.
In your view, how can states effectively address and tackle human rights violations and abuses faced by women in prostitution to empower and enhance their agency?
I thank you.