Human Rights Council - 61st Session
Item 3 - Interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Statement delivered by Norway on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic Countries
3 March 2026

Thank you, Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic States: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden.

Special Rapporteur,

We thank you for your comprehensive report and for its inclusive approach. You rightly highlight in the report that funeral rights are also protected under the right to manifest religion or belief in worship, observance, and practice.

We underline that death and mourning constitute central aspects of most - if not all - religion or belief communities, and that the protection of human rights is particularly vital in such moments of heightened vulnerability.

We recall our full commitment to these standards and to our collective efforts to promote and protect freedom of religion or belief.

We would like to ask the Special Rapporteur: beyond reporting, how can awareness of the importance of funeral and burial rights, as part of the manifestation of freedom of religion or belief, be further strengthened?

Thank you.