The Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik attended the official opening of the new Norwegian Human Rights House in Oslo yesterday. In his speech he stressed that co-locating human rights organisations helps strengthen the defense of human dignity. (27-AUG-04) Nine human rights organisations are now gathered under one roof in the new Norwegian Human Rights House. – High priority Act against inhumanity 15-year anniversary Synergy Organisations · Amnesty International, Norway The new address is: The Norwegian Human Rights House, Tordenskioldsgate 6b, 0160 Oslo, Norway. Tel: +47 22 47 92 00. Fax: +47 22 47 92 01.
– I appreciate the cooperation we have with organisations at this house. Such a co-location helps strengthen an already vital and competent human rights environment, the Prime Minister said. – It strengthens your work. This is important, because what unites you is the defense of human dignity. This is a high priority for our Government, he added.
Read the Prime Ministers speech (Norwegian text only)
Executive Director Maria Dahle of the Human Rights House Foundation thanked the Prime Minister for his Governments’ support. She said the realization of the humanity of the other is the key to preventing violations.
– A human rights defender is someone who recognize his or her humanity in the face of the other. We need individuals who acknowledge the call to testify about what they witness, and who try to inspire the authorities and the public to act against injustice and inhumanity, Ms Dahle said.
The Norwegian Human Rights House was the first ever to be established, at the East End of Oslo, back in 1989. The new Human Rights House includes four new organisations co-locating with the Norwegian Chapter of Amnesty International. Maria Dahle has run the Norwegian Human Rights House the past 10 years. Secretary General Bjørn Engesland of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee will take over as new leader at the new Norwegian Human Rights House. Ms Dahle will continue with establishing new Human Rights Houses in other countries, and building a network between these.
The idea behind the co-location of nine key human rights organisations is to generate synergy effects and thus make better use of all the knowledge and creativity that are to be found within each organisation.
Pupils painted banner
As part of a week dedicated to human rights education, the close to 500 pupils at Kastellet primary school in Oslo made a 50 meter long banner that decorated the new Human Right House in Oslo for the opening event. They also performed at the opening with self-made songs, dances and costumes.
Organisations now under the same roof are:
· The Norwegian Burma Committee
· The Norwegian Helsinki Committee
· The Norwegian Tibet Committee
· Human Rights House Foundation
· Nansen Dialogue Project
· The Norwegian Council for the Rights of the Kurds
· Health and Human Rights Info
· The Norwegian Chapter of P.E.N. International
Read more: Article in AmnestyNytt: Nine organizations – one house – one goal (Norwegian language)
Articles
New Norwegian Human Rights House opened by Norwegian Prime Minister
The Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik attended the official opening of the new Norwegian Human Rights House in Oslo yesterday. In his speech he stressed that co-locating human rights organisations helps strengthen the defense of human dignity. (27-AUG-04)
