A/HRC/42/2
equal opportunities for persons with disabilities with a coordinated approach to implement
their rights.
382. Nepal commended Norway for its commitment to the promotion and protection of
human rights at the national and international levels. It noted with appreciation the acceptance
of most of the recommendations put forward during the review and Norway’s commitment
towards achieving equality for all in society. It encouraged Norway to continue enhancing
measures to safeguard the rights and welfare of all migrants.
4.
General comments made by other stakeholders
383. During the adoption of the outcome of the review of Norway, six other stakeholders
made statements.
384. Conscience and Peace Tax International, in a joint statement co-sponsored by the
Center for Global Nonkilling, noted that the Human Rights Council had highlighted the links
between human rights and peace, and between climate change and human rights. However,
the review of Norway had no reference to peace and conscientious objection. It noted that
Norway considered a recommendation on climate change as beyond the scope of the
universal periodic review. It called on Norway to set up a special peace fund to grant the right
to conscientious objection to those refusing to pay for the military budget and to allow them
to pay that part of their taxes in the peace fund. It also called for a status for conscientious
objection to military service for professionals, including in the armed forces, private military
or security companies.
385. The International Humanist and Ethical Union noted that Norway abolished the antiblasphemy provisions of the Criminal Code in 2015 and thus, it provided an example of good
practice for other States to replicate. It, however, noted problems pertaining to the
constitutional protection of freedom of religion or belief. The International Humanist and
Ethical Union requested Norway to amend and to include the right to freedom of religion or
belief into the human rights chapter of the Constitution bringing it in line with the
international and European human rights law. In respect of asylum seeking applications, it
encouraged Norway to ensure equal treatment of all minorities including the non-religious.
386. The Alliance Defending Freedom noted with appreciation the positive response of
Norway to recommendations to protect the integrity of the family by referring to cases when
families had suffered arbitrary separation. It stated that medical professionals should not be
forced to choose between their faith and their profession and that conscientious objection was
a part of human rights to freedom of conscience. It stated that Norway must take progress in
protecting this right.
387. Villages Unis stated that relevant ministries had followed up the recommendations
put forward during the second review of Norway. It noted that Norway ratified the Council
of Europe Istanbul and Lanzarote conventions. United Villages stated that the gender pay gap
had been reduced over the last decade and law prohibited discrimination in wages based on
gender. Employers were obliged to promote gender equality, including equal pay.
388. International-Lawyers.org noted with disappointment that Norway failed to address
climate change in its national report, the human rights consequences of the fossil fuel
production by Norway on poor countries. It recommended that Norway cease with
greenhouse gas producing activities, work with other countries to limit warming to 1.5
degrees by 2100, provide technology on a cost-free basis to poor and developing countries
who would be most hit by climate change and lead on a just transition strategy to compensate
and support poor countries for the unfair burden of climate change.
389. The World Network of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry welcomed expressed
commitment of Norway to ensure the human rights of persons with disabilities. However, it
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