Amnesty believes that Norway takes part in an international trend “in which states seek to undermine human rights.” The treatment of asylum seekers is highlighted as an example.
In its annual report, Amnesty International stated that human rights are being set aside worldwide, in many cases under pretexts like the protection of the countries’ own interest.
The organization believes that Norway is increasingly taking part in this international trend.
– Contrary to our proud tradition of fighting for human rights at home and abroad, the Norwegian government now chooses to interpret our international obligations as recommendations, not binding guidelines, Secretary General John Peder Egenæs of Amnesty in Norway says to Amnesty Norway’s own websites.
He believes that the rhetoric used and the amendments proposed on asylum and refugees, contributes to the weakening of the authority of, among others, UN.
– Norwegian authorities are beginning to use rhetoric similar to authoritarian states we would not want to be compared to. This is scary. We can not just let the basic values of our society crumble, says Amnesty International.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today
