3 July 2025, Intervention by the Nordic-Baltic States
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for her two reports: one on the so-called glorification of Nazism, the other on intersectionality from a racial justice perspective.
The Nordic-Baltic States are alarmed by the rise in hate crime around the world. However, we believe that the term ‘’combating Nazism’’ should not be politicized by States as a pretext for ulterior motives. We strongly believe such misuse undermines the genuine fight against this heinous ideology, and we reject any use of false narratives in this regard.
On the second issue, racism and intersectionality, we agree that discrimination is often not a ‘’single-axis experience’’. Often, multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination interact resulting in distinct, unique and compounding experiences of discrimination. Intersectionality is a useful framework for understanding and exposing such multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
However, it is crucial that this framework is applied in a way that safeguards and enhances, and does not diminish, existing human rights norms. Individual human rights, non-discrimination, equal treatment under the law, and freedom of expression, were all developed as antidotes to oppression. Respect for these norms remain essential if we are to truly address historical and contemporary inequities and exploitations.
Thank you.
