Thank you, Moderator,
Norway is a diverse society, and the government aims to protect this diversity. The State authorities have a responsibility for ensuring the security of all citizens and for enacting special measures for groups who are exposed to special risk.
If we are to build just and stable societies, spreading knowledge about the historic injustices against minorities is essential. And about injustices and discrimination still taking place today.
In 2023, the Government of Norway presented a new action plan against racism and discrimination (Action plan on racism and discrimination – New initiatives 2024-2027). The Action Plan describes the Norwegian government’s efforts against violence, intolerance and discrimination nationally and internationally, with focus on access to and progress within the labour market and on young people. The plan covers racism and discrimination against Roma and Sinti.
Norway is committed to developing educational programmes for fostering democratic competence. These include different educational programs with school guidance and online resources, teaching amongst other issues. The Dembra program is an educational program for the prevention of racism, group-based hostility and antidemocratic attitudes, and constitutes a vital part of this effort. The program consists of school guidance and a wide range of courses and online resources, also for teaching about Roma history and culture.
The programme «School guidance for Roma pupils» aims to promote Roma integration; strengthen learning outcomes, reduce absence, and increase Roma pupils’ chances to complete primary education. The programme is funded by The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. In 2024 the programme has also started a project on developing a Romanes grammar in cooperation with Romano Kher and Roma representatives.
Standing up for tolerance, equal rights and non-discrimination is more important than ever. This is especially apparent when strong forces try to undermine our democracies by promoting polarization, social friction and outright hatred.
Tolerance in general allows for the benefits and opportunities that diversity can deliver. Tolerance gives space for persons to effectively exercise their human rights. It is a fundamental building-block for growth and prosperity in an increasingly globalized world.
On the other hand, intolerance and discrimination can perpetuate inequality. Hostile attitudes to minority groups represent a threat to society and democracy. Subjection to negative prejudices and discrimination leads to less participation in the public discourse. Consequently, society risks losing important voices and perspectives, and debate becomes less nuanced.
Cooperation with civil society is crucial for the implementation of all these action plans and educational programs. Civil society does important work to strengthen the respect for and understanding of the interdependency between the different human rights, including the freedom of religion or belief. Their activities are also important to expose and prevent abuse and injustice towards minorities in society.
Thank you.