Norway - November 2024

On 12 November, the Parliament requested the government to enact a package of measures to promote reconciliation after its past “Norwegianisation” policy, which forced the assimilation of Sami, Forest Finns and Kven populations. The measures include a national initiative for language courses, training for public servants on Indigenous rights and culture, the creation of a competence centre to research and document the policy’s injustices, and stronger protection of Kven and Forest Finnish heritage. Starting in 2027, the government must report on its work for Indigenous people and national minorities each parliamentary term. The Parliament expressed “deepest regret” for abuses under the policy and its consequences with 86 votes to 11, with members of the right-wing Progress party voting against it. A 2023 Truth and Reconciliation Commission report recommended the Parliament acknowledge its role. The President of the Sami Parliament of Norway welcomed the apology.  

Sources: Stortinget, International IDEA, The Guardian, Polar Journal, NRK, Sametinget