Human rights in Norway

These rights are safeguarded by Chapter E of the Constitution of Norway or Kongeriket Norges Grunnlov, as well as the ratification of various international treaties facilitated by the United Nations.

[2] The most prevalent issue in recent history is the struggle for land rights by the indigenous Sami people, under the threat of the Norwegian government exploiting the Sápmi region for natural resources.

[3] Section E. of the Norwegian Constitution pertains specifically to the maintenance of human rights of all people within the state of Norway.

Not only is Norway's stance on capital punishment guarded by the constitution, but it is also ratified by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1972) and the Second Optional Protocol (1991).

Within Norway, complaints of religious discrimination are handled by the Equality and Anti-discrimination Ombudsman (LDO), who is chosen by the government to serve a six-year term.

Whilst their refugee applications status is under review, asylum seekers are allowed to seek and obtain work, should they meet three main criteria.

[7] Norway has agreed to the EU's Dublin III regulation, which authorises the transfer of asylum seekers to other European countries who are responsible for adjudicating the case.

Sylvi Listhaug, Norway's first immigration minister, cited the low acceptance of refugees as "a big challenge to integrate [...] to make sure they respect Norwegian values".

[20] Despite the bureaucratic boundaries existing between the four states, the Sami people continue to operate as a single group, bonded through their rich cultural and linguistic connections.

This body mainly serves to ensure the rights of the Sami people, and sustain Norway's commitment to accomplish their international obligations.

[21] In today's world, the Sami people hold a large amount of autonomy, and have their own parliament to which they elect, called the Samediggi.

[6] There exists legislation designed to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, in the broad scope of housing, employment, citizenship, and access to services provided by the government.

[7] The US Department of State reports that there was effective enforcement of laws which prohibit discrimination against the disabled community within Norway.

[22] In 2015, a Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights advocated for more policies advancing the empowerment of people with disabilities and full inclusion of Roma.

[24] [needs update] The increased demand for natural resources in recent times has led to social conflict between the Sami people and the local communities of Norway.

The construction of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, mines, and dams, all preside primarily in areas inhabited by the Sami people.

This has led to contention between the land rights of the Sami people, and the employment and development opportunities that would arise from these projects for local communities.

Standards established via institutions such as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Tribal People's Convention explain that in order for development on Indigenous land, such as the creation of infrastructure on Sami territory, must have the 'free, prior, and informed consent' of the party involved.

The Special Rapporteur of the United Nations provided a report praising the Norwegian response to the land rights crisis.