Agreement concluded between Norway and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

“This agreement reflects Norway’s strong focus on human rights in our foreign policy,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

Foreign Minister Støre and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay signed an agreement today on a financial contribution totalling NOK 180 million in support of the OHCHR’s activities in the period 2011–2013. NOK 3 million of these funds is earmarked for the OHCHR’s efforts to improve the human rights situation in North Africa. This is the first time Norway has concluded a multi-year agreement with the Office of the OHCHR.

“The OHCHR plays a vital role in the efforts to strengthen the international system for safeguarding human rights, and is an important partner for Norway,” said Mr Støre.

Mr Støre and Ms Pillay discussed the situation in North Africa and the Middle East in particular. They both agreed that the events of the past few months offer a historic opportunity to support democratic movements and create a new momentum based on respect for human rights. The OHCHR has an important part to play in the ongoing reform processes in the region.

Norway has been one of the largest contributors to the OHCHR for a number of years.

Press contact: Communications Adviser Mariam Naqvi, tel.: +47 980 08 233