The Human Rights Council is the UN’s most important body to promote and strengthen human rights. The human rights are also a foundation in the Norwegian foreign policy. This is not the situation everywhere, and today there are attempts to weaken the status of the human rights. It is in Norway’s interests that the human rights are being strengthened and that the UN organisations working with promoting them are doing their best possible effort.
Norway believes in multi-lateral solutions and that we work within the structures available. Norway will and can make important contributions to the Human Rights Council’s work and that is why the governmnent apply for membership in the council for the 2009-2012 period.
Norway has been involved in the international work on human rights for many years. As an observer in the HR-Councils work we are contributing both as a discussion partner and promotor, as a criticial voice and as a facilitator for the HR-Councils work. Our experience have learned us that dialogue and cooperation and strong focus on certain issues leads to achievements. As a member in the Council, Norway will continue contributing actively and as one of the Councils 47 members we wil use our role to influence the decisions being made – for a better human rights situation worldwide.