Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs highlights support of ICORN as a central part of the Ministry's human rights policy
Added: June 2009 to Network News
Freedom of expression is a first priority in the human rights policy of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In his opening address to the Global Forum on Freedom of Expression in Oslo on June 3, Jonas Gahr Støre pointed to the Ministry's support of ICORN as one of three central points in their strategy and action plan on freedom of expression. "..we will continue to support the organisations working to assist writers in prison or in exile," the Minister said.
"We have increased our support to ICORN, the International Cities of Refuge Network. Now there are guest writers in more than 20 European cities and in Mexico City. There will soon be ICORN member cities hosting persecuted writers in Africa, Asia and the Americas as well.
At the moment, there are 10 guest writers in Norwegian cities. I also greatly appreciate the contribution they make to enhancing knowledge about different cultures in Norwegian society. They enrich our debate, our insight and our understanding."
To read Mr Gahr Støre's full speech, go here.
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