99th SESSION OF THE CRC
OPENING STATEMENT
delivered by the Norwegian Minister of Children and Families,
Ms Lene Vågslid
Check against delivery
12 May 2025
Chair, distinguished Members of the Committee,
Good afternoon.
It is a great privilege to appear before you as head of the Norwegian delegation in this important dialogue.
As you just heard, I am joined by an excellent team. The drafting of the report and preparing for this meeting has been a true whole of government effort.
Since our last dialogue with the Committee in 2018, a lot of work has been done. Norway has taken significant steps to further strengthen children's rights.
In our report to the Committee, we have detailed the developments concerning children's rights since 2018. Let me highlight some of them:
Before doing so, I would like to express my gratitude to Norwegian Civil Society, Norway’s National Human Rights Institution, the Ombudsperson for Children, and the Sami Parliament for their supplementary and valuable reports to the Committee. Some of their representatives are present here today.
A special thanks to the Norwegian Forum for the Convention on the Rights of the Child for its report and for facilitating the Children's report to the UN.
Chair,
Human rights are at the core of Norwegian society. They are safeguarded by our Constitution. We are also engaged in the promotion and protection of human rights globally, including – of course – the rights of children.
Safeguarding human rights is both the right and the smart thing to do. Human rights lie the foundation for social inclusion, prosperity and stability. As a country of 5,5 million, we need our children and youth to thrive. Each and everyone of them will have to find their place in society. To contribute, in accordance with their own abilities. As much as this is a question of children’s rights, it is also a matter of the long-term sustainability of our society.
Children’s rights in national law – recent developments
Let me proceed by giving a short overview on how children’s rights have been implemented in Norwegian law, and emphasize some major steps taken since 2018.
Firstly, fundamental children’s rights are included in the Norwegian Constitution. This includes that the best interests of the child must be a fundamental consideration, and that children have a right to be heard in questions affecting them.
Moreover, the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child is implemented through the Human Rights Act. This way of incorporation has two important implications: Firstly, the Convention applies as Norwegian law. Secondly, it prevails if in conflict with other legislation.
Furthermore, several Acts explicitly state that the best interest of the child is a fundamental consideration, like the Children Act, the Child Welfare Act, the Education Act and the Adoption Act.
Children Act
Chair,
Last month, the Government presented a proposal for a new Children Act to Parliament. Several of the proposals will strengthen children’s rights under the Convention: The draft Act includes an introductory chapter, stipulating children’s rights.
To tackle a topical challenge, the Act also includes a new provision on the child’s right to privacy, which underlines the parents’ responsibilities in this regard. A parent must always consider the child’s right to privacy in decisions regarding the sharing of the child’s personal information. The child’s view on the matter shall be given due weight.
Several amendments are proposed to strengthen children’s rights if parents separate, for instance:
When parents separate, they must attend mediation. The aim is to agree on the residence of the child and right to contact with both parents. Under the proposed law, the child is offered a separate meeting with the mediator, without the need for parental consent.
The right to contact applies, unless it is not in the child's best interest. Where there is risk for violence or abuse, there shall be no contact.
To safeguard the child's right to care from both parents, and the child's right to preserve a family life after separation, the Government proposes that parents share daily authority as a main rule when separating. The goal is firstly to facilitate the child's contact with both parents, in order to safeguard the child's right to family life. Secondly, we have firm reasons to believe that this reduces conflicts.
Education
The new Education Act of 2023 applies to all public primary and secondary education.
The Act now contains general provisions stating that the best interests of pupils shall be a fundamental consideration in actions and decisions concerning them.
Child welfare - barnevern
Chair,
It is our duty to ensure that every child in need of care and support must receive timely and adequate assistance.
Child welfare cases may however present situations of conflict between different human rights: On the one hand, the child's right to protection against violence and harmful upbringing. On the other, both children and parents have a right to family life. We need to carefully balance the interests of the child and the biological family. Where these cannot be reconciled, the overriding concern is the child’s best interests.
A range of measures have been introduced in recent years to develop and improve the child welfare sector.
The new Child Welfare Act, which entered into force in 2023 places greater emphasis on prevention and helping children and parents as early as possible.
Last month, the Government launched the Quality Improvement Initiative. Our aim is to give children relying on child welfare services greater predictability and stability.
Since 2016, the European Court of Human Rights Court has considered more than 60 child welfare complaints against Norway. In response, we taken steps to ensure that child welfare practices are fully aligned with our human rights obligations. In this context, let me underline that only in exceptional cases, and as a matter of last resort, the best interest of the child may lead to children being separated from their parents.
Children’s right to health services
Chair,
The right of children to access health services has also been strengthened in recent years. Two important examples are worth mentioning:
From 2023, children in health institutions have a statutory right to be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout their stay, unless this is inadvisable for the child.
Families who have, or are expecting, a child with a serious illness, injury or disability now have a right to a coordinator.
Children with disabilities
Inclusion and equality of children with disabilities are preconditions for a sustainable welfare society, and for children to be able to live free and independent lives. We want to remove societal barriers and promote inclusion. The Government recently decided to incorporate the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [CRPD] into the Human Rights Act.
Asylum
Since 2022, we have offered collective protection to around 90 000 refugees from Ukraine, many of them children. To welcome and integrate this group is an important objective across sectors.
Let me now turn to the topic og children in asylum reception centers, especially unaccompanied minor asylum seekers. They are a vulnerable group, and the immigration authorities are continuously working to improve conditions for them.
Norway has increased the earmarked budget line for strengthened child expertise in reception centers.
The County Govornor’s supervision of unaccompanied minors has been increased.
Cross-sector efforts for equal opportunities and social inclusion
Chair,
Improving living conditions for marginalized families and ensuring equal opportunities and inclusion for children is a high priority. Since 2018, the government has worked in new ways towards this aim.
A national strategy for children in low-income families (2020-2023) was put forward in 2020 and renewed in 2024. Important aims of the strategy are to strengthen the economy of low-income families and reduce economic barriers to kindergartens and after-school programs.
In 2023, the government introduced a “youth guarantee” which ensures young people close follow-up and individual support.
Since 2022, a cross-sector initiative called the Core Group for Vulnerable Children and Youth, has coordinated efforts across 8 ministries and 14 agencies to address the needs of at-risk children.
This spring, five ministries will submit a White Paper on social equality and mobility of children. It aims at contributing to equal opportunities, regardless of their background. The White paper also sets the course for our work for equal opportunities and social inclusion amongst children and their families.
Mission - Samfunnsoppdraget (national mission)
Two weeks ago, Norway launched a national mission on the inclusion of children in education, work and societal life. A main goal is to reduce exclusion among children by 2035. Six ministries have joined forces and included local authorities, civil society, research institutions and others in a ten-year common effort. We aim to develop more effective, knowledge-based and innovative measures for inclusion of children.
Digital upbringing
Chair,
Today, technology is an important part of children's lives. We must ensure that their digital environment is safe and suitable, and that it upholds children's rights. Since 2018, important steps have been taken.
I am proud to convey that for the first time, a White Paper on “Safe digital upbringing”, soon will be presented for the Parliament. Our main goal is policies that empower and protect children in their digital lives.
Norway has also, for the first time, established a Ministry of Digitalisation. We work closely together on children’s behalf, appreciating that the digital domain transcends national borders.
Violence and discrimination against children
Chair,
Let me turn to our efforts aimed at preventing children from being subjected to violence and sexual abuse, in or outside the home, including in the digital sphere.
Our goal is clear. Children must be ensured early, appropriate help, all over the country.
To this end, the Government has implemented several specific initiatives to deal with violence against children. Last year, we adopted a Plan to Combat Violence against Children and Domestic
Violence
Starting this year, the Norwegian Board of Health Supervision has been given a permanent assignment to investigate public agencies' work in cases of homicide, violence, abuse and neglect of children.
Actions-plans against racism
We remain committed to combating racism in all its forms. In December 2024, two new action plans against antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred, were launched. We have also launched the first national action plan to prevent hate speech and discrimination against the Sámi. Last month the Parliament adopted a white paper on sexual harassment.
Conclusion
Chair, distinguished Members of the Committee,
We have high ambitions for all our children and are committed to advancing their well-being. This is important for each and every child. It is also an investment in Norway’s future and the long term viability of our economy.
Social exclusion, for instance, is something neither the individual child and family nor the society can afford. I am proud, therefore, of the many policies we have developed to safeguard the rights of the child.
In human rights, no one can claim a perfect record. Neither do we. Also, our challenges evolve over time. I truly appreciate this opportunity to discuss our policies with you.
Let me end by commending the important role played by the
UN treaty bodies in improving states’ implementation of human rights. My delegation and I shall listen with great interest to your questions, and answer them to the best of our ability.
Thank you.