Thorbjørn Jagland

Thorbjørn Jagland (born Thorbjørn Johansen; November 5, 1950) is a Norwegian politician from the Labour Party. He served as the secretary general of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He served as the 32nd prime minister of Norway from 1996 to 1997, as the minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000 to 2001 and as the president of the Storting from 2005 to 2009. He is also the former Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which is responsible for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize.

Quotes

 * I am particularly concerned about the recent allegations of mass persecutions of LGBTI people in the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation. Discrimination and violence against LGBTI people is the worst kind of populism. Using minorities as scapegoats is unfortunately a growing trend. It is dangerous to democracy and governments must do all they can to stop it.
 * The Council of Europe member states have an obligation to protect LGBTI people, DC069(2017), Strasbourg, May 17, 2017.


 * Societies based on human rights, democracy and the rule of law need strong anti-discrimination laws, which are properly applied, and policies to integrate minorities and protect their rights. We also need to tackle irresponsible political dialogue inciting people to hatred and prejudice.
 * The Council of Europe member states have an obligation to protect LGBTI people, DC069(2017), Strasbourg, May 17, 2017.