Deputy head of mission @NorAmbSA
Pretoria, South Africa
Joined June 2011
- Tweets293
- Following553
- Followers162
- Likes304
Wera Helstrom retweeted
In awarding this year’s #NobelPeacePrize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wants to remind the world that the rule of law – national and international – underpins the system we have set up to ensure peace and resolve conflicts non-violently. Peace requires justice.
History has shown that a world operating without the rule of law is unjust, unwise and inhumane. The judges – those who guard the thin red line between order and chaos – are therefore highly deserving of our praise. But today, as these same judges are sanctioned, and their institutions are attacked, we need people of courage, vision and determination – qualities that 2026 peace laureate Navi Pillay demonstrates in her work on the bench.
#NobelPrize
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Joint statement of the foreign minister of Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, United Kingdom
Wera Helstrom retweeted
2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay’s commitment to universal legal principles and her firm moral compass are constants in a long career. Born into a family of Indian Tamil origin under apartheid in Durban, South Africa, Pillay became a lawyer and legal pioneer, confronting deep structural discrimination, segregation and exclusion. A common thread runs from her early work defending Nelson Mandela and others who stood up against apartheid to her service as a judge in some of the key international court cases of our time.
This year’s laureate has significantly enlarged the scope and impact of international law. She has served as a judge on the High Court in South Africa, the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the International Criminal Court. She was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and, until recently, she chaired the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Today Navi Pillay is a judge on the International Court of Justice in the case where Myanmar stands accused of genocide.
In historic international court cases, she has shown that legal measures can help prevent acts of war and violence. Navi Pillay has also contributed to strengthen the institutions of international law. Her independence, expertise and steadfastness have made her one of the most respected international jurists of our time.
Learn more about the 2026 #NobelPeacePrize: bit.ly/4xjOJ03
#NobelPeacePrize #NobelPrize
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Today we praise Navi Pillay and international law. The 🇳🇴 Foreign Minister @EspenBarthEide regrets US threats of new sanctions on the ICC ⬇️
I deeply regret that the US threatens to impose new sanctions on the International Criminal Court.
At a time of war and multiple conflicts, we need, more than ever, an International Criminal Court that can fulfil its mandate free from political pressure. bit.ly/4yaMDQw
Wera Helstrom retweeted
I joined FM @andrii_sybiha, @kajakallas & FM @jnbarrot & several FM colleagues ahead of the #UNSC meeting on 🇺🇦 today.
We called on #Russia to stop its aggression, accept a ceasefire, and engage meaningfully in negotiations.
Ukraine agreed to a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire in March 2025. 51 UN member states call on Russia to finally do the same.
They have issued a joint statement in support of Ukraine.
"We stand in solidarity with Ukraine as it continues to face Russia’s war of aggression," the statement says.
The partner countries called for protecting freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, commercial shipping and critical infrastructure, and safeguarding Ukrainian grain exports and global food security. They also called on Russia to immediately return all arbitrarily detained, forcibly transferred or deported Ukrainian civilians, including children, as well as all prisoners of war and internees.
"Ukraine wants peace. We want peace. Russia must stop its aggression, accept a ceasefire, and engage meaningfully in negotiations towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in accordance with international law," they stressed.
We thank all partner countries for their strong support and solidarity with Ukraine.
Wera Helstrom retweeted
My heart is united with the suffering of the people of #Ukraine, who have lived in anguish and fear for years. I renew my appeal to put an end to the violence, halt the destruction, and open hearts to dialogue and #peace! I hope that the efforts undertaken in recent days to resume negotiations will bear concrete fruit and make room for diplomacy. Let us #PrayTogether to the Lord that concord may prevail in every conflict throughout the world.
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Thank you so much Cde @nomvulamoko_ and @MYANC for hosting us at Luthuli House. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to discuss areas where we can strengthen our collaboration! Norway and South Africa remain trusted partners @MbalulaFikile @DIRCO_ZA
Today, the First Deputy Secretary-General of the ANC, Cde Nomvula Mokonyane, led an ANC delegation in a courtesy meeting with Her Excellency Ms. Anne Beathe Kristiansen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to South Africa. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest, cooperation, and partnership in advancing democracy, development, peace, and shared prosperity.
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Today member states joined #Ukraine🇺🇦 in strongly condemning Russia’s escalating attacks.
-The attacks constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and must cease immediately.
-We call for an immediate, full & unconditional ceasefire.
▶️norway.no/en/missions/un/sta…
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Yesterday I had the privilege of opening the exhibition African Independence, Norwegian Solidarity at the legendary University of the Western Cape — it is hard to imagine a more fitting venue.
Thanks to all the inspiring speakers and the many interesting conversations🇿🇦🇳🇴
Wera Helstrom retweeted
#FreedomDay2026 🇿🇦 | President Cyril Ramaphosa
“We stand here today not only as citizens of a democratic nation, but as custodians of a hard-won legacy of freedom, a legacy won in struggle, shaped by sacrifice, courage, and an unbreakable belief in freedom and justice.”
🔗 Speech 👉🏽 zurl.co/i5UrE
#30YearsOfDemocraticCitizenship #RuleOfLaw
Wera Helstrom retweeted
A strong show of unity at the AU Retreat on #G20 engagements in Malabo 🇬🇶. As Memeber States, African Financial intititions, and key Experts convene to deliberate to ensure #Africa remains coordinated, influential and strategically positioned in it global affairs. #Agenda2063
Wera Helstrom retweeted
With fellow European foreign ministers, I call for the inclusion of Lebanon in the regional de-escalation efforts. The opportunity offered by the ceasefire between the United States and Iran must be seized.
We welcome the talks between Lebanon and Israel. regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/…
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Honoured to present my letter of credence to President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa today. Two countries with shared values and a strong friendship. Thank you, South Africa, for your warm welcome!
🇿🇦 His Excellency President @CyrilRamaphosa receives Letter of Credence from Head of Mission, HE Ms Anne Beathe Kristiansen of the Kingdom of #Norway 🇳🇴.
#LettersofCredence
#BetterAfricaBetterWorld
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Honoured to present my credentials today in my Kryllingbunad from Krødsherad 🇳🇴✨ The Norwegian bunad is more than a costume - it carries my roots, my heritage, and the community I come from. Proud to wear mine here in South Africa🇿🇦
Wera Helstrom retweeted
#HRC61: Children and education should never be victims of war.
🇮🇸 and 🇳🇴 are deeply alarmed by the attack on the school in Minab - and by the humanitarian crisis spreading across Middle East.
Full statement:
tinyurl.com/v9jj2bwe
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Congratulations, class of 2026 👏🏻 for completing the advanced training on conflict resolution, negotiation & mediation. Your competence is much needed 🕊️
Participants from 18 🌍 countries took part in the training @DIRCO_ZA - a part of 🇳🇴 🇿🇦 partnership on peace & reconciliation.
Wera Helstrom retweeted
▶️ Great news! Our new ambassador to South Africa is on her way - on skis! 🎿
We’re exited to welcome Anne Beathe Kristiansen - experienced diplomat and politician, and former 🇳🇴 Minister of International Development.
@Sophie_Mokoena @Zwandid
Wera Helstrom retweeted
We are now witnessing an extremely serious situation rapidly unfolding in the Middle East.
I call again on all parties to respect international law, protect civilians and seek diplomatic solutions. regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/…
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Today, we marked 4 yrs since the start of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 4 yrs of destruction and human suffering. But also resilience, courage and hope.
🇳🇴 continues to support Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty and freedom.
🇺🇦 Ukraine belongs to Ukrainians.
Wera Helstrom retweeted
Darfur and Kordofan remain at the epicentre of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Together with 29 fellow foreign ministers, I condemn the abhorrent violence against civilians and all attacks on humanitarian operations. Hostilities in Sudan must end. regjeringen.no/en/whats-new/…