We received the news of Noëmi’s passing with shock and disbelief. It is incomprehensible. Our thoughts go to Noëmi’s family – Scott and Arthur as well as her closest family, and all of her friends. We know she had so many friends and was greatly appreciated as a colleague by so many. 

Noëmi handed over the role as co-chair for the Human Rights Defenders Working Group to the Norwegian Embassy in 2020 – and she left some big shoes for me to fill. I have always admired her personal commitment to promote human rights as a real human rights defender, always ready to provide support to those who needed it with great passion. Noëmi was such a skilful diplomat, with an impressive work capacity. She was also so open-minded and warm as a person – someone who included everyone and provided spaces for people to come together to have discussions and to celebrate accomplishments. Noëmi was an incredible colleague who was always generous with her time and ready to provide advice – even if she was busier than ever herself. 

Noëmi set the standard for us all: as human rights defenders, as diplomats, as colleagues and as friends. We are both extremely grateful to have gotten to know her. We will continue honouring Noëmi and the amazing work that she was so passionate about and will keep her family in our thoughts.