STATEMENT
62nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council
Item 2 - ID on HC annual report
Statement by Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN, Ambassador - Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations, Norway.
Check against delivery
16 June 2026
Thank you, President.
We thank the High Commissioner for his annual report and for the work done by OHCHR to promote and protect all human rights – for everyone, everywhere.
High Commissioner, you have earlier stated that “the use of the death penalty is egregious against any human being.” Norway couldn’t agree more.
The death penalty is incompatible with the right to life, and the right to live free from torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment
[Furthermore], the death penalty is irreversible, and its use is often arbitrary and discriminatory, violating the principle of equality before the law.
States that carry out executions remain a small minority. We are deeply concerned about the recent reversal of the global trend towards [universal] abolition [of the death penalty].
Iran stands out with at least 1500 individuals executed in 2025. This is deeply disturbing.
China’s and DPRK’s lack of transparency, and the worrisome increase in executions in Saudi-Arabia, USA and Singapore are raising concerns.
We regret the resumption by some States after periods of suspension of the death penalty, or the expansion of types of offences for which it can be imposed or even mandated, including in Israel.
We commend efforts by States worldwide towards abolition.
The upcoming World Congress against the Death Penalty is an opportunity; to reaffirm our commitment to [the] universal abolition [of the death penalty] and to human dignity.
