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STATEMENT BY MS. HILDE F. JOHNSON, MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN RIGHTS OF NORWAY, 55TH SESSION OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
26 March 1999
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26 March 1999
Madam Chair,
High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The idea that each individual human being has certain fundamental rights was not born in the second millennium. The dream of freedom from violence, bondage and slavery is as old as mankind itself. But it is during the second millennium that the idea has been transformed from a dream into a contract between the ruler and the ruled, between the organs of the state and the individual human being. And in the last half of this century, the notion of universal human rights has grown from ideas into real commitment.
When we prepare the transition to the third millennium, we are thus not only leaving a legacy. We provide coming generations with a foundation of universal values, a code of conduct. Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently challenged the business community to engage in “a global compact of shared values and principles”. This universal code - this compact - is a call to action for all of us. It should be the hallmark of today’s globality.
In the Charter of the United Nations respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is not just an objective in its own right. It is a key to progress. We often underestimate the indispensable contribution fulfilment of this objective can make towards achieving the other goals of the United Nations. Respect for human rights contributes to building peace and to advancing human development. For the benefit of all. Because promoting human rights is a ‘win-win’ situation.
At this point in human history we have a real opportunity to use the universality of human rights as a spur to concerted action. Today’s spirit of partnership, dialogue and open doors has replaced decades of bipolarity, walls and doorkeepers. We have a universal platform of values, a common ground, a new window of opportunity. This means that we can now talk of the globalisation of accountability - our key to progress for human development.
We can - and we should - cooperate in the family of nations on the common understanding that the human rights debate is no longer only about civil and political rights. And human development is no longer only about economic growth. We must give the economic, social and cultural rights their rightful place in the human rights machinery and in practice. Human rights constitute an integrated whole. Combating poverty - or eliminating poverty, I would rather say - is one of the most urgent human rights challenges of today. Civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights are mutually reinforcing. We need to act on this understanding. This, again, is a matter of global accountability.
The United Nations has defined development as the process of expanding people’s choices. Expanding people’s choices means respecting people’s rights. All of them, every single one of them. This is what human development is all about.
We need to recognise our responsibility to assist each other in fulfilling our obligation to implement human rights. By committing ourselves to all human rights in our development efforts, we have a better chance of succeeding. This will be the commitment Norway brings to the table in addressing such important issues as the right to development. As donors we can give resources, but we cannot give rights. As partners in development, we can offer the means, but we cannot provide the will. We can share our knowledge and experience, but the wisdom to act - the ethics of politics - comes from within.
Madam Chair,
Human rights start at home. We in the Norwegian Government are now intensifying our efforts to keep our own house in order. We recently issued the first annual report on what we have done to promote human rights, at home and abroad. In line with the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action we are also drawing up a national plan of action for human rights. It will be presented to the national assembly this year.
In order to support other countries in drawing up their own national plans, the Norwegian Government last year pledged USD 1 million to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. I urge civil society to explore how best to exchange views and experience in order to make such plans the multi-purpose tools they can be. Tools for putting things right, tools for taking new action.
There are many issues to address in our plan of action. Domestic human rights concerns include - among other things - the practice of custody, the use of coercion in psychiatric health care, children’s rights, the rights of the disabled and the issue of racial and ethnic discrimination. We need to improve knowledge of human rights in our administration and among our people. Another issue of great concern, but which currently promises well, is business ethics and human rights. The business community is now becoming more and more aware that investing in human rights is profitable.
Madam Chair,
Human rights are universal. Today’s global, interdependent societies set every human rights violation on the agenda. This is a welcome development. The international community has a legitimate say in every human rights situation. When addressing human rights issues we must never lose sight of our main objective: to protect the inherent rights and fundamental freedoms of women, men and children. There are several paths leading forward to this objective. And some are more easily navigable than others.
Norway is engaged in a multi-faceted human rights dialogue with several countries. Such dialogues have a political dimension, they focus squarely on human rights. They provide opportunities for those who are accountable, to exchange views and experiences. They are never just talk and theory. They are followed up by practical engagement in the field. China, Cuba and Turkey are examples of countries where we are currently engaged in meaningful, bilateral dialogues.
We value these dialogues. Because they are active, open and frank. Because they are never one-way communication, but involve discussion, listening, exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. Because they always address real and serious issues, including individual cases. Because they open up cooperation between NGO's, academic institutions, media and other civil society partners. And dialogues do never mean that we condone our partners’ human rights record.
Engaging in a bilateral human rights dialogue is one of several ways of addressing human rights concerns. Thus, dialogue should not preclude pursuing other avenues. There is no inherent contradiction between monitoring and cooperation, between criticism and discussion. One example is our membership of this Commission and our intention to make active use of the opportunity to speak our mind. This means addressing the human rights situation in a number of states, including recent developments of concern in our three major dialogue countries. We will revert to these concerns under agenda item 9 during this Commisson. Our objective remains the same: the fulfilment, safeguarding and defense of human rights for our fellow human beings. In short, we must be accountable.
Madam Chair,
The adoption last year of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was a very important step. It holds promise of greater respect for - and observance of - human rights. The onus is on all of us to let implementation follow declaration. Improving conditions for the defenders of human rights gives us better partners for progress. Monitoring and technical assistance are necessary for putting into practice the ideas that we have agreed upon. As governments we can act together to ensure the quality of our implementation of the Declaration. Let us work together to make it so. Because urgent action is needed. The Defenders deserve no less.
Children are the human rights defenders of tomorrow. They are the key to progress. Yet we see countless horrific photos, reports and statistics of children exploited in factories, brothels and armies. Norway is stepping up support for various initiatives to combat child labour and the demobilisation of child soldiers in conflict areas. Education has the highest priority in our development assistance. In cooperation with Canada and Sweden, we are planning a seminar to see how western governments best can prevent children being used as soldiers. I call on you to celebrate the first ten years of the Convention of the Rights of the Child by doing more to protect the rights of those who represent our common future.
Ethnic bias, bigotry and racism pose grave challenges to every nation. We have legal standards that must be implemented to halt racist action. The challenge of racism, however, also concerns people’s mindsets, their attitudes. The World Conference on Racism to be held in 2001 is an opportunity to address all aspects of this challenge, through the preparation and the attention this cause deserves. Our national preparations have recently got under way, with NGO participation as one of the key elements.
Religion is often described as a source of racial prejudice, the germ of conflict. Although this judgement is often misplaced, it points to the fact that religion or belief can also be a powerful force for the resolution of conflict. A conference was held in Oslo last summer at which many religious communities gathered in order to draw attention to the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. They decided to build a coalition to promote respect for religion and belief. The importance of this issue was also illustrated a few days ago in Vienna. Under Norwegian chairmanship, representatives of the governments of the OSCE countries met with religious communities and other NGOs to address the implementation of freedom of religion or belief in Europe.
Lack of recognition of their identity and interests lies at the heart of the plight of indigenous peoples. Norway strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the working group appointed to draw up a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to working actively with states and indigenous peoples to achieve a sound and constructive declaration as soon as possible. We hope recent progress on the issue of a permanent forum will enable this Commission to make final recommendations at its 56th session.
The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights. Capital punishment violates the dignity of the human being. It is inhuman and morally reprehensible and it cannot be justified on any grounds. Norway welcomes the announcement made by Mr. Fischer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany last Tuesday on behalf of the European Union that the EU will for the first time submit a joint resolution on the death penalty. We fully support this initiative. Norway strongly urges all States to ratify the second optional protocol to the Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and to withdraw any reservations which are incompatible with the object and purpuse of the protocol.
Norway applauds the adoption in Rome of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. When it is established, the Court will be a significant deterrent against the most heinous international crimes. Now, we must mobilise the ”Rome spirit” to ensure that the Court becomes operational. I call upon all States to sign and ratify the Statute as early as possible.
Stronger international efforts and cooperation for the promotion of human rights are essential in support of national implementation. Herein lies a special challenge for this session - to strenghten our human rights mechanisms. The Bureau has conducted a review of these mechanisms and made recommendations on how to make them more effective. While the proposals may fall short of what really needs to be done, they represent a good starting point. Our aim must be to enter the next millennium with a set of well functioning mechanisms that more efficiently promote respect for human rights.
Norway would also like to extend an open invitation to all Special Rapporteurs and other mechanisms under this Commission to visit us at any time.
Madam Chair,
Let me pay a special tribute to the High Commissioner, whose tireless efforts in the cause of human rights give substance to the words of Governments and faces to the victims of violations.
Our common concern is the fundamental freedoms of the individual person. Thus, human rights efforts start with every single human being. Human rights reflect real hope as well as real anguish for countless of individuals in every part of the world. Many have neither the strength nor the knowledge to protest when their rights are being denied them, and replaced only by hunger and oppression.
Our discussions here in this Commission will reflect insight, initiative and, hopefully, increasing agreement. We owe this, not to the representatives of governments and NGOs gathered here, but to the people we represent. Our descisions in the Palais des Nations have a direct impact on the real-life situation for those who have been deprived of their human rights. For those who are denied the key to progress that human rights represent.
Globality means greater interdependency. At all levels. Between states, nations, cultures and individual human beings. Interdependency requires mutual listening and learning. It generates more chances for speaking out. Human rights are expressions of human worth and they know no geographical borders. We have a universal platform of values that should lead to the globalisation of accountability. We have a moral obligation to care, and this is our key to progress. Because no one can any longer claim ignorance.
Thank you.
Madam Chair,
High Commissioner,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The idea that each individual human being has certain fundamental rights was not born in the second millennium. The dream of freedom from violence, bondage and slavery is as old as mankind itself. But it is during the second millennium that the idea has been transformed from a dream into a contract between the ruler and the ruled, between the organs of the state and the individual human being. And in the last half of this century, the notion of universal human rights has grown from ideas into real commitment.
When we prepare the transition to the third millennium, we are thus not only leaving a legacy. We provide coming generations with a foundation of universal values, a code of conduct. Secretary-General Kofi Annan recently challenged the business community to engage in “a global compact of shared values and principles”. This universal code - this compact - is a call to action for all of us. It should be the hallmark of today’s globality.
In the Charter of the United Nations respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is not just an objective in its own right. It is a key to progress. We often underestimate the indispensable contribution fulfilment of this objective can make towards achieving the other goals of the United Nations. Respect for human rights contributes to building peace and to advancing human development. For the benefit of all. Because promoting human rights is a ‘win-win’ situation.
At this point in human history we have a real opportunity to use the universality of human rights as a spur to concerted action. Today’s spirit of partnership, dialogue and open doors has replaced decades of bipolarity, walls and doorkeepers. We have a universal platform of values, a common ground, a new window of opportunity. This means that we can now talk of the globalisation of accountability - our key to progress for human development.
We can - and we should - cooperate in the family of nations on the common understanding that the human rights debate is no longer only about civil and political rights. And human development is no longer only about economic growth. We must give the economic, social and cultural rights their rightful place in the human rights machinery and in practice. Human rights constitute an integrated whole. Combating poverty - or eliminating poverty, I would rather say - is one of the most urgent human rights challenges of today. Civil and political rights and economic, social and cultural rights are mutually reinforcing. We need to act on this understanding. This, again, is a matter of global accountability.
The United Nations has defined development as the process of expanding people’s choices. Expanding people’s choices means respecting people’s rights. All of them, every single one of them. This is what human development is all about.
We need to recognise our responsibility to assist each other in fulfilling our obligation to implement human rights. By committing ourselves to all human rights in our development efforts, we have a better chance of succeeding. This will be the commitment Norway brings to the table in addressing such important issues as the right to development. As donors we can give resources, but we cannot give rights. As partners in development, we can offer the means, but we cannot provide the will. We can share our knowledge and experience, but the wisdom to act - the ethics of politics - comes from within.
Madam Chair,
Human rights start at home. We in the Norwegian Government are now intensifying our efforts to keep our own house in order. We recently issued the first annual report on what we have done to promote human rights, at home and abroad. In line with the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action we are also drawing up a national plan of action for human rights. It will be presented to the national assembly this year.
In order to support other countries in drawing up their own national plans, the Norwegian Government last year pledged USD 1 million to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. I urge civil society to explore how best to exchange views and experience in order to make such plans the multi-purpose tools they can be. Tools for putting things right, tools for taking new action.
There are many issues to address in our plan of action. Domestic human rights concerns include - among other things - the practice of custody, the use of coercion in psychiatric health care, children’s rights, the rights of the disabled and the issue of racial and ethnic discrimination. We need to improve knowledge of human rights in our administration and among our people. Another issue of great concern, but which currently promises well, is business ethics and human rights. The business community is now becoming more and more aware that investing in human rights is profitable.
Madam Chair,
Human rights are universal. Today’s global, interdependent societies set every human rights violation on the agenda. This is a welcome development. The international community has a legitimate say in every human rights situation. When addressing human rights issues we must never lose sight of our main objective: to protect the inherent rights and fundamental freedoms of women, men and children. There are several paths leading forward to this objective. And some are more easily navigable than others.
Norway is engaged in a multi-faceted human rights dialogue with several countries. Such dialogues have a political dimension, they focus squarely on human rights. They provide opportunities for those who are accountable, to exchange views and experiences. They are never just talk and theory. They are followed up by practical engagement in the field. China, Cuba and Turkey are examples of countries where we are currently engaged in meaningful, bilateral dialogues.
We value these dialogues. Because they are active, open and frank. Because they are never one-way communication, but involve discussion, listening, exchange of ideas and constructive criticism. Because they always address real and serious issues, including individual cases. Because they open up cooperation between NGO's, academic institutions, media and other civil society partners. And dialogues do never mean that we condone our partners’ human rights record.
Engaging in a bilateral human rights dialogue is one of several ways of addressing human rights concerns. Thus, dialogue should not preclude pursuing other avenues. There is no inherent contradiction between monitoring and cooperation, between criticism and discussion. One example is our membership of this Commission and our intention to make active use of the opportunity to speak our mind. This means addressing the human rights situation in a number of states, including recent developments of concern in our three major dialogue countries. We will revert to these concerns under agenda item 9 during this Commisson. Our objective remains the same: the fulfilment, safeguarding and defense of human rights for our fellow human beings. In short, we must be accountable.
Madam Chair,
The adoption last year of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders was a very important step. It holds promise of greater respect for - and observance of - human rights. The onus is on all of us to let implementation follow declaration. Improving conditions for the defenders of human rights gives us better partners for progress. Monitoring and technical assistance are necessary for putting into practice the ideas that we have agreed upon. As governments we can act together to ensure the quality of our implementation of the Declaration. Let us work together to make it so. Because urgent action is needed. The Defenders deserve no less.
Children are the human rights defenders of tomorrow. They are the key to progress. Yet we see countless horrific photos, reports and statistics of children exploited in factories, brothels and armies. Norway is stepping up support for various initiatives to combat child labour and the demobilisation of child soldiers in conflict areas. Education has the highest priority in our development assistance. In cooperation with Canada and Sweden, we are planning a seminar to see how western governments best can prevent children being used as soldiers. I call on you to celebrate the first ten years of the Convention of the Rights of the Child by doing more to protect the rights of those who represent our common future.
Ethnic bias, bigotry and racism pose grave challenges to every nation. We have legal standards that must be implemented to halt racist action. The challenge of racism, however, also concerns people’s mindsets, their attitudes. The World Conference on Racism to be held in 2001 is an opportunity to address all aspects of this challenge, through the preparation and the attention this cause deserves. Our national preparations have recently got under way, with NGO participation as one of the key elements.
Religion is often described as a source of racial prejudice, the germ of conflict. Although this judgement is often misplaced, it points to the fact that religion or belief can also be a powerful force for the resolution of conflict. A conference was held in Oslo last summer at which many religious communities gathered in order to draw attention to the 1981 Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief. They decided to build a coalition to promote respect for religion and belief. The importance of this issue was also illustrated a few days ago in Vienna. Under Norwegian chairmanship, representatives of the governments of the OSCE countries met with religious communities and other NGOs to address the implementation of freedom of religion or belief in Europe.
Lack of recognition of their identity and interests lies at the heart of the plight of indigenous peoples. Norway strongly supports the ongoing efforts of the working group appointed to draw up a Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We are committed to working actively with states and indigenous peoples to achieve a sound and constructive declaration as soon as possible. We hope recent progress on the issue of a permanent forum will enable this Commission to make final recommendations at its 56th session.
The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights. Capital punishment violates the dignity of the human being. It is inhuman and morally reprehensible and it cannot be justified on any grounds. Norway welcomes the announcement made by Mr. Fischer, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany last Tuesday on behalf of the European Union that the EU will for the first time submit a joint resolution on the death penalty. We fully support this initiative. Norway strongly urges all States to ratify the second optional protocol to the Convention on Civil and Political Rights, and to withdraw any reservations which are incompatible with the object and purpuse of the protocol.
Norway applauds the adoption in Rome of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. When it is established, the Court will be a significant deterrent against the most heinous international crimes. Now, we must mobilise the ”Rome spirit” to ensure that the Court becomes operational. I call upon all States to sign and ratify the Statute as early as possible.
Stronger international efforts and cooperation for the promotion of human rights are essential in support of national implementation. Herein lies a special challenge for this session - to strenghten our human rights mechanisms. The Bureau has conducted a review of these mechanisms and made recommendations on how to make them more effective. While the proposals may fall short of what really needs to be done, they represent a good starting point. Our aim must be to enter the next millennium with a set of well functioning mechanisms that more efficiently promote respect for human rights.
Norway would also like to extend an open invitation to all Special Rapporteurs and other mechanisms under this Commission to visit us at any time.
Madam Chair,
Let me pay a special tribute to the High Commissioner, whose tireless efforts in the cause of human rights give substance to the words of Governments and faces to the victims of violations.
Our common concern is the fundamental freedoms of the individual person. Thus, human rights efforts start with every single human being. Human rights reflect real hope as well as real anguish for countless of individuals in every part of the world. Many have neither the strength nor the knowledge to protest when their rights are being denied them, and replaced only by hunger and oppression.
Our discussions here in this Commission will reflect insight, initiative and, hopefully, increasing agreement. We owe this, not to the representatives of governments and NGOs gathered here, but to the people we represent. Our descisions in the Palais des Nations have a direct impact on the real-life situation for those who have been deprived of their human rights. For those who are denied the key to progress that human rights represent.
Globality means greater interdependency. At all levels. Between states, nations, cultures and individual human beings. Interdependency requires mutual listening and learning. It generates more chances for speaking out. Human rights are expressions of human worth and they know no geographical borders. We have a universal platform of values that should lead to the globalisation of accountability. We have a moral obligation to care, and this is our key to progress. Because no one can any longer claim ignorance.
Thank you.