Minister of Foreign Affairs to meet UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay during her visit to Norway

Norway is one of the largest contributors to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). The visit reflects the high priority Norway gives to the High Commissioner’s efforts to promote human rights all over the world.

Human rights efforts in the Middle East and North Africa will be among the main topics discussed at the meeting between Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay. The High Commissioner and her office will play a key role in the efforts to ensure respect for human rights in the reform processes in the region in the time ahead. Norway is a strong supporter of these efforts in the UN.

Norway will also raise the issues of gender equality, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the rights of sexual minorities. Norway plays an active role in UN efforts in these areas.

This will be the High Commissioner’s first visit to Norway. During her visit she will also have meetings with the Minister of the Environment and International Development and the Minister of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion.

A brief meeting with the press will be held following the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Venue: Government Guest House, Parkveien 45
Date and time: 5 May 2011, 11:30–11:45

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