Introduction

This report presents the outcome of Norway’s fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR), conducted during the forty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council Working Group in November 2024. The review examined Norway’s implementation of international human rights obligations, progress since the previous cycle, and remaining gaps requiring policy or legislative attention.

I. Summary Of The Proceedings Of The Review Process

A. Presentation By The State Under Review

Norway described a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to human rights implementation, led by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Preparation of the national report involved consultations with the Sámediggi (Sami Parliament), national human rights institutions, ombudspersons and civil society organisations.

Since the previous review, Norway ratified key international instruments, including the ILO Domestic Workers Convention (No. 189) and the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. It is assessing ratification of the Kampala amendments to the Rome Statute and progressing work to incorporate the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into domestic legislation.

Norway highlighted reforms addressing historical injustices against Indigenous and national minorities, including the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which submitted findings to Parliament in 2023. Child protection remained a priority, with the adoption of the 2023 Child Welfare Act and amendments to the Police Act to reinforce the principle of the best interests of the child. Ongoing quality reforms aim to strengthen procedural safeguards and early intervention.

In the justice and health sectors, Norway reported efforts to limit juvenile imprisonment, expand restorative justice programmes and improve access to mental healthcare, particularly for children and young people. Conditions in detention facilities were assessed positively by international monitoring bodies, while targeted reforms addressed prolonged isolation and mental health needs of detainees.

Gender equality measures were central to the presentation. While progress was noted, women’s average earnings in 2023 remained at 88.3 per cent of men’s earnings. Reporting requirements on gender pay gaps and involuntary part-time work apply to public employers and major private employers. Policies to reduce part-time employment and improve access to affordable childcare were also outlined. Norway reported national action plans addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment and child safety.

B. Interactive Dialogue And Responses By The State Under Review

Ninety-nine States participated in the interactive dialogue, acknowledging Norway’s strong legal and institutional framework while identifying areas of concern. Positive feedback focused on gender equality initiatives, child welfare reforms, Indigenous rights protections and international human rights engagement.

Concerns were raised regarding racism, hate speech, antisemitism, Islamophobia and discrimination affecting minorities, migrants and people of African descent. Several delegations highlighted issues related to child welfare practices, solitary confinement, detention conditions, trafficking in persons and treatment of unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors.

Norway reaffirmed its commitment to participation, inclusion and diversity, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. It referenced anti-racism action plans adopted in 2023, increased resources for hate crime investigation, and targeted strategies addressing antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination against Sami people. Legislative measures included a ban on conversion therapy and increased funding for LGBTIQ+ organisations.

Indigenous rights were addressed through strengthened consultation mechanisms, statutory support for Sami languages and acknowledgement of consent requirements in land-use decisions, supported by recent Supreme Court jurisprudence. Norway also highlighted constitutional protection of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, supported by environmental impact assessments and climate policy development.

II. Conclusions And/Or Recommendations

The report concludes with a comprehensive set of recommendations for Norway’s consideration. These include further treaty ratifications, enhanced measures to combat discrimination and hate crime, consent-based reform of rape legislation, strengthened child welfare safeguards, increased climate ambition aligned with the Paris Agreement, improved business and human rights due diligence, and stronger protections for migrants, Indigenous Peoples and other vulnerable groups. Norway is expected to respond to these recommendations at the fifty-eighth session of the Human Rights Council.