Geneva, 12 March 2024
Thank you, Mr. President!
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for presenting her latest report to the Council.
Our countries attach great importance to the full respect and protection of fundamental rights and freedoms, including person’s rights to privacy and personal data protection, that should not be diminished by the rapid developments in the digital age.
We concur with the Special Rapporteur that States’ direct positive role in and appropriate legal frameworks for the effective protection of the rights to personal data protection and privacy – essential aspects of human dignity - are of utmost importance. Moreover, in light of growing use of information technologies and their possible adverse effects on the fundamental rights and freedoms, it is essential for States to establish appropriate and accessible administrative and judicial remedies for reparation and restitution for victims of violations of their rights.
Madam Special Rapporteur, what further steps should be taken to foster human rights education in the area of personal data protection and privacy at the state level?
I thank you!