The purpose of the network is to influence authorities, both Norwegian and international, to prioritise the creation and sustainability of principled and comprehensive policies that aim towards the strengthening of human rights. Much of the work is directed at international organisations and forums, such as the UN Human Rights Council, UN Treaty Bodies, the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The NGO Forum, reports on the implementation of Norway’s human rights commitments in the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The Forum also reports to the UN Human Rights Committee and the UN Committee Against Torture.
In addition, it seeks to influence Norwegian foreign policies. It does this by arranging regular meetings prior to sessions in the UN Human Rights Council and by appointing observers to the UN General Assembly.
The NGO Forum has a working committee consisting of representatives from Amnesty International Norway, the Antiracist Centre, the Human Rights Committee of the Norwegian Bar Association, the Norwegian Helsinki Committee, the Norwegian Human Rights Fund, the Norwegian Humanist Association, the Norwegian Association of Disabled and the Stefanus Alliance International.
Contact
The Norwegian Helsinki Committee has a secretariat function for the NGO Forum