Speech by State Secretary Maria Varteressian during the Badge of Honor ceremony to human rights advisor Iver Ørstavik, Polish Ministry of Justice

Thank you so much, Minister Bodnar, for the opportunity to also say a few words.

Iver Ørstavik is a passionate and relentless human rights advisor, whose efforts to ensure human rights have taken on a truly global journey – working with Rafto laureates in different parts of the world.

As I have been told, Iver actively contributed to promoting and safeguarding rule of law and democratic values in Poland. He did so working closely with Polish representatives of rule of law and civil society, not least with the 2018 Rafto Prize laureate, Professor Adam Bodnar.  

I can assure you that Iver has also gone to great lengths to keep various Norwegian actors aware and informed of the situation in Poland.

Rule of law is a central part of our European collaboration and community.

For Norway, as we see it, our common commitment to upholding democracy and the rule of law forms the very basis of the EEA Agreement, which celebrates 30 years this year.

We have never seen it as more important than now to stand united to defend these values – both within the EEA, and externally.

For all these reasons I am extremely pleased to be here.

And I wholeheartedly congratulate you, Iver on receiving today’s Badge of Honour from the Polish Minister of Justice.

I know that your unabated effort to support your Polish friends and colleagues is well appreciated both here in Poland, as well as back at home.

Thank you.