natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
An example in this respect: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the fight against poverty, to improve health – they aim to fulfil human rights.
An example in this respect: The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – the fight against poverty, to improve health – they aim to fulfil human rights.
So far, there are, as I have said, 162 States Parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
So far, there are, as I have said, 162 States Parties to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Only two UN member states have not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Only two UN member states have not ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
So, as I have underlined, these rights were never, and are still not, “Western” values.
So, as I have underlined, these rights were never, and are still not, “Western” values.
162 countries are not “the West”.
162 countries are not “the West”.
Human rights are universal not only in a geographic sense, but also in the way we should approach them, and this is one key lesson to bring with us as we work on ensuring that they are implemented, and respected to a greater extent:
Human rights are universal not only in a geographic sense, but also in the way we should approach them, and this is one key lesson to bring with us as we work on ensuring that they are implemented, and respected to a greater extent:
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent, the four freedoms are interconnected.
Human rights are indivisible and interdependent, the four freedoms are interconnected.
Let me illustrate:
Let me illustrate:
In places where 80% of women are illiterate, the empowering potential of a free press is limited.
In places where 80% of women are illiterate, the empowering potential of a free press is limited.
And: where people are not allowed to speak out and participate in the governance of their country, finding a solution to a food crisis is difficult.
And: where people are not allowed to speak out and participate in the governance of their country, finding a solution to a food crisis is difficult.
The founders of the Universal Declaration understood that social and cultural obstacles (for example: lack of freedom of speech, no access to media, etc.) make it impossible for people to obtain justice and participate fully in public life.
The founders of the Universal Declaration understood that social and cultural obstacles (for example: lack of freedom of speech, no access to media, etc.) make it impossible for people to obtain justice and participate fully in public life.
Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has what we may call “Western inspiration”, we also need to acknowledge that it was founded on ideals and achievements from many different cultures.
Although the Universal Declaration of Human Rights has what we may call “Western inspiration”, we also need to acknowledge that it was founded on ideals and achievements from many different cultures.
It reflects the concerns and interests of us all.
It reflects the concerns and interests of us all.
The inherent dignity and equality of all human beings.
The inherent dignity and equality of all human beings.
(We discussed these issues when the Indonesian President and Foreign Minister visited Oslo last week).
(We discussed these issues when the Indonesian President and Foreign Minister visited Oslo last week).
There is still work to be done, even though the groundwork for human rights – the groundwork for empowering the individual – has been laid.
There is still work to be done, even though the groundwork for human rights – the groundwork for empowering the individual – has been laid.
There will always be a lot to do with regard to implementation.
There will always be a lot to do with regard to implementation.
Which brings me to my next point – on human rights and the challenges relating to their implementation:
Which brings me to my next point – on human rights and the challenges relating to their implementation:
We need to portray the challenges in global terms – as concerning all states – and move away from the over-simplifying dichotomy “within the West – beyond the West”.
We need to portray the challenges in global terms – as concerning all states – and move away from the over-simplifying dichotomy “within the West – beyond the West”.
Again: human rights are not a utopian ideal.
Again: human rights are not a utopian ideal.
At any given point in time they must be understood as the product of a struggle between and within states, over ideas, ideologies, politics and resources.
At any given point in time they must be understood as the product of a struggle between and within states, over ideas, ideologies, politics and resources.
This is a struggle where all states can be caught in breach of norms and standards – where all states become vulnerable in their advocacy of universal human rights because of double standards.
This is a struggle where all states can be caught in breach of norms and standards – where all states become vulnerable in their advocacy of universal human rights because of double standards.
To give some examples:
To give some examples:
There are mass breaches of human rights in dictatorial and authoritarian states – such as North Korea and Iran; there is mass violation of human rights in failed states – such as Somalia; there are mass violations of human rights in war zones – such as DR Congo, Afghanistan, etc.
There are mass breaches of human rights in dictatorial and authoritarian states – such as North Korea and Iran; there is mass violation of human rights in failed states – such as Somalia; there are mass violations of human rights in war zones – such as DR Congo, Afghanistan, etc.
And we see that where such violations take place, people are not empowered, and development is lagging behind.
And we see that where such violations take place, people are not empowered, and development is lagging behind.
But also within the West we are reminded of breaches – identified by civil society, NGOs, courts or as a result of periodic reviews of human rights performance.
But also within the West we are reminded of breaches – identified by civil society, NGOs, courts or as a result of periodic reviews of human rights performance.
And we find ourselves caught in double standards: for instance, the fight against terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 accentuated the tendency to claim that a breach of one human right may be necessary to defend another: we ended up with secret prisons, disappearances, torture and inhumane treatment – practices that brutalise our societies and that are blatantly illegal.
And we find ourselves caught in double standards: for instance, the fight against terrorism in the aftermath of 9/11 accentuated the tendency to claim that a breach of one human right may be necessary to defend another: we ended up with secret prisons, disappearances, torture and inhumane treatment – practices that brutalise our societies and that are blatantly illegal.
And seen from within the West – let us imagine for a moment how the practices at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib have undermined our ability to show human rights leadership.
And seen from within the West – let us imagine for a moment how the practices at Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib have undermined our ability to show human rights leadership.
This is something I feel in every meeting in the Middle East.
This is something I feel in every meeting in the Middle East.
States are responsible for guaranteeing universally accepted human rights for their people – and states should be held accountable.
States are responsible for guaranteeing universally accepted human rights for their people – and states should be held accountable.
Now, if human rights are a global matter and a global concern, then we need to preserve and strengthen the global arenas for dealing with them.
Now, if human rights are a global matter and a global concern, then we need to preserve and strengthen the global arenas for dealing with them.
We need to acknowledge that there is an ongoing struggle to ensure that human rights are implemented and respected – within and beyond our own societies.
We need to acknowledge that there is an ongoing struggle to ensure that human rights are implemented and respected – within and beyond our own societies.
We need to refute the practice of states evading responsibility for respecting human rights – for any reason.
We need to refute the practice of states evading responsibility for respecting human rights – for any reason.
As states: We need, as I said, to preserve the global arenas – first and foremost the UN.
As states: We need, as I said, to preserve the global arenas – first and foremost the UN.
The UN is exposed and vulnerable – especially to criticism from those who claim that it is discredited by the presence of states that openly violate human rights – and those who say that we should simply replace the UN with an alliance of democracies.
The UN is exposed and vulnerable – especially to criticism from those who claim that it is discredited by the presence of states that openly violate human rights – and those who say that we should simply replace the UN with an alliance of democracies.
I would hold the opposite view – the UN has value precisely because it has convening power and can hold all accountable – but the UN will never be better than the sum of its members.
I would hold the opposite view – the UN has value precisely because it has convening power and can hold all accountable – but the UN will never be better than the sum of its members.
But then we – likeminded and different-minded alike – need to stand up and confront these issues and become involved.
But then we – likeminded and different-minded alike – need to stand up and confront these issues and become involved.
The UN is still a unique platform – spanning from the Convention on the Law of the Sea, to last Friday’s agreement at the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, to next Monday’s gathering in Kampala on the ICC.
The UN is still a unique platform – spanning from the Convention on the Law of the Sea, to last Friday’s agreement at the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference, to next Monday’s gathering in Kampala on the ICC.
We cannot abandon this critically important arena for upholding universal norms and standards to those who openly seek to violate their key principles
We cannot abandon this critically important arena for upholding universal norms and standards to those who openly seek to violate their key principles
Moreover, this raises the question of how we can best work multilaterally in this age of globalisation – how can we best connect within and beyond the West?
Moreover, this raises the question of how we can best work multilaterally in this age of globalisation – how can we best connect within and beyond the West?
Take the Durban Review Conference on the fight against racism and discrimination in Geneva a year ago.
Take the Durban Review Conference on the fight against racism and discrimination in Geneva a year ago.
The conference highlighted some of the dilemmas governments face, not least the balancing act between when to engage in dialogue and when not to do so.
The conference highlighted some of the dilemmas governments face, not least the balancing act between when to engage in dialogue and when not to do so.
Many representatives argued that the process was insoluble, that they should leave the room and walk out (as some EU ambassadors did).
Many representatives argued that the process was insoluble, that they should leave the room and walk out (as some EU ambassadors did).
They argued that it was a question of integrity.
They argued that it was a question of integrity.
We (Norway) for our part defined five key objectives: First, a strong and unequivocal text against racism.
We (Norway) for our part defined five key objectives: First, a strong and unequivocal text against racism.
Third, we could not accept a text that would infringe on freedom of expression.
Third, we could not accept a text that would infringe on freedom of expression.
Fourth, we wanted a text that recognised the role of the free media in fighting racism.
Fourth, we wanted a text that recognised the role of the free media in fighting racism.
Fifth, we wanted a text of universal scope.
Fifth, we wanted a text of universal scope.
And finally: We could not accept a text that would attempt to rewrite history.
And finally: We could not accept a text that would attempt to rewrite history.
So, how could we work to achieve this?
So, how could we work to achieve this?
We joined forces with a small group of states (Egypt, Russia and Belgium – and a few others), which proved instrumental in solving a seemingly unsolvable process.
We joined forces with a small group of states (Egypt, Russia and Belgium – and a few others), which proved instrumental in solving a seemingly unsolvable process.
And the outcome document from the conference reaffirms the importance of freedom of expression in the fight against racism.
And the outcome document from the conference reaffirms the importance of freedom of expression in the fight against racism.
It imposes no restrictions on freedom of expression.
It imposes no restrictions on freedom of expression.
It confirms that rules and regulations are there in order to protect individuals – not gods or religions.
It confirms that rules and regulations are there in order to protect individuals – not gods or religions.
My point is: this demonstrates that global agreement is still achievable on such key values as freedom of expression.
My point is: this demonstrates that global agreement is still achievable on such key values as freedom of expression.
It challenges us in the West to reach out and work across West/Rest boundaries.
It challenges us in the West to reach out and work across West/Rest boundaries.
Developing countries do not want to end up like Iran or Libya.
Developing countries do not want to end up like Iran or Libya.
We should not let them.
We should not let them.
The Durban Review Conference raises an important question, or well-known dilemma: By refusing to listen, do we weaken or do we strengthen the ones who speak?
The Durban Review Conference raises an important question, or well-known dilemma: By refusing to listen, do we weaken or do we strengthen the ones who speak?
By walking out, do we add to the weight of our own message or do we leave the other triumphant?
By walking out, do we add to the weight of our own message or do we leave the other triumphant?
The President of Iran exercised his right to freedom of expression at that meeting.
The President of Iran exercised his right to freedom of expression at that meeting.
While he spoke, representatives of many European states walked out – precisely what the President wanted – and their walkout was filmed by his TV teams as part of his election campaign.
While he spoke, representatives of many European states walked out – precisely what the President wanted – and their walkout was filmed by his TV teams as part of his election campaign.
I respect those who chose to walk out, but I question the effectiveness of such a response.
I respect those who chose to walk out, but I question the effectiveness of such a response.
Furthermore, and this is my last point, I would like to emphasise the importance of joining forces – as individuals and as states: the importance of new arenas, new alliances.
Furthermore, and this is my last point, I would like to emphasise the importance of joining forces – as individuals and as states: the importance of new arenas, new alliances.
(Example: Norway’s cooperation with Indonesia, Mexico, Brasil, South Africa).
(Example: Norway’s cooperation with Indonesia, Mexico, Brasil, South Africa).
We need new approaches in international diplomacy – as we are dealing with the rights of people, we need to engage the people, and civil society.
We need new approaches in international diplomacy – as we are dealing with the rights of people, we need to engage the people, and civil society.
Tomorrow, I will take part in the general debate of the ICC Review Conference in Kampala, and I am looking forward to that.
Tomorrow, I will take part in the general debate of the ICC Review Conference in Kampala, and I am looking forward to that.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention (1997): victories for civilians, victims, for international humanitarian law, and for civil society.
The Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Mine Ban Convention (1997): victories for civilians, victims, for international humanitarian law, and for civil society.
And for states, for political and diplomatic craftsmanship.
And for states, for political and diplomatic craftsmanship.
And, not least, victory for the power of dialogue (listening, learning and responding).
And, not least, victory for the power of dialogue (listening, learning and responding).
Processes built on trust.
Processes built on trust.
Today: US Senators’ letter to the President.
Today: US Senators’ letter to the President.
Things are set in motion, let’s wait and see.
Things are set in motion, let’s wait and see.
The participation of survivors and civil society representatives in the processes was crucial (insights and competence).
The participation of survivors and civil society representatives in the processes was crucial (insights and competence).
By supporting local actors we seized the opportunity for substantial change.
By supporting local actors we seized the opportunity for substantial change.
I believe there is hope for humanism, within the West and beyond the West.
I believe there is hope for humanism, within the West and beyond the West.
We still have a way to go and many more battles ahead of us.
We still have a way to go and many more battles ahead of us.
Let us continue to criticise and fight, as individuals and as states, to make human rights a reality for all.
Let us continue to criticise and fight, as individuals and as states, to make human rights a reality for all.
Let us continue to use human rights as instruments of empowerment for change.
Let us continue to use human rights as instruments of empowerment for change.
Human Rights - Empowerment for Change
Human Rights – Empowerment for Change
Geneva, 2 March 2010
Geneve, 2. mars 2010
Gry Larsen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, emphasized the gap between norms and implementation of human rights in Norway's statement during the High Level Segment of the Human Rights Council.
Statssekretær Gry Larsen understreket gapet mellom normer og virkeliggjøring av menneskerettighetene i Norges innlegg under høynivåsegmentet til FNs menneskerettighetsråd 2. mars.
Mr President, High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mr President, High Commissioner, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Let me begin by joining others in expressing my heartfelt condolences to Chile and the Chilean people for the devastating losses and human suffering caused by the earthquake.
Let me begin by joining others in expressing my heartfelt condolences to Chile and the Chilean people for the devastating losses and human suffering caused by the earthquake.
Once again, we are meeting against a backdrop of widespread human rights violations.
Once again, we are meeting against a backdrop of widespread human rights violations.
Billions are affected by poverty and malnutrition.
Billions are affected by poverty and malnutrition.
People are being discriminated against on grounds of race, gender, belief and sexual orientation.
People are being discriminated against on grounds of race, gender, belief and sexual orientation.
The absolute nature of the prohibition of torture is frequently being challenged.
The absolute nature of the prohibition of torture is frequently being challenged.
Detainees are being kept in secret prisons without access to justice.
Detainees are being kept in secret prisons without access to justice.
The freedom to assemble, organise and speak out is under pressure.
The freedom to assemble, organise and speak out is under pressure.
The promotion and protection of human rights is at the core of the UN mandate, and it is a prerequisite for success in advancing peace and development.
The promotion and protection of human rights is at the core of the UN mandate, and it is a prerequisite for success in advancing peace and development.
Our challenge today is the daunting gap between norms and implementation.
Our challenge today is the daunting gap between norms and implementation.
This must remain the main focus of the Human Rights Council.
This must remain the main focus of the Human Rights Council.
As elected member of the Human Rights Council, Norway is committed to work actively to raise the credibility, effectiveness and visibility of the Council through engagement and open dialogue with all partners.
As elected member of the Human Rights Council, Norway is committed to work actively to raise the credibility, effectiveness and visibility of the Council through engagement and open dialogue with all partners.
The upcoming review of the Council in 2011 is important.
The upcoming review of the Council in 2011 is important.
The aim of this process is clear: to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council.
The aim of this process is clear: to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council.
For this, we need a clear and realistic assessment of what we can achieve through the review process.
For this, we need a clear and realistic assessment of what we can achieve through the review process.
The political will and commitment of the Member States and the international community will be as important to making the Council a better tool for meaningful promotion and protection of human rights, as any changes in structure and working methods.
The political will and commitment of the Member States and the international community will be as important to making the Council a better tool for meaningful promotion and protection of human rights, as any changes in structure and working methods.
We must also ensure that the review do not create a protection gap.
We must also ensure that the review do not create a protection gap.
We cannot allow the review process to consume the work of the Council.
We cannot allow the review process to consume the work of the Council.
Our main task is to promote and protect Human Rights worldwide.
Our main task is to promote and protect Human Rights worldwide.
This mandate is best served by making full use of the existing system – every day.
This mandate is best served by making full use of the existing system – every day.
The system of special procedures is by far the most successful part of the UN Human Rights machinery.
The system of special procedures is by far the most successful part of the UN Human Rights machinery.
Through their committed efforts the Council is connected to the reality on the ground.
Through their committed efforts the Council is connected to the reality on the ground.
The Special Procedures are often a last resort for victims, but they can also serve as an early-warning mechanism to draw attention to patterns of human rights abuses.
The Special Procedures are often a last resort for victims, but they can also serve as an early-warning mechanism to draw attention to patterns of human rights abuses.
Through the Institution Building process the Council has maintained and improved this system.
Through the Institution Building process the Council has maintained and improved this system.
The main obstacle it faces today is clearly lack of cooperation by States.
The main obstacle it faces today is clearly lack of cooperation by States.
Therefore, the review process should preserve their independence and integrity and strengthen the commitment of States to cooperate with the system.
Therefore, the review process should preserve their independence and integrity and strengthen the commitment of States to cooperate with the system.