Human rights are universal rights. They are essential for peace, economic growth and political stability. Large-scale human rights violations are not merely the product of civil and ethnic conflict, they are also a major factor behind such conflicts. Governments that continue to disregard basic human rights norms, deprive their population not only of political freedom, but also of improved economic conditions. Mr. Chairman, The right to life is the most fundamental of all human rights.
Capital punishment is unacceptable.
Its world-wide abolition will greatly enhance human dignity and respect for human life. Almost half the members of the United Nations have now abolished the death penalty, either in law or in practice. Norway urges all states that have not yet committed themselves to abolishing capital punishment to do so. I call on this Commission to take a clear stand on this issue. Mr. Chairman, Racism and discrimination are found in all countries of the world, including my own.