Introduction
Climate activists condemn Norway’s approval of massive oil and gas projects
On 28th June 2023, the Norwegian government approved 19 new oil and gas projects, amounting to over 200 billion kroner (USD 18.6 billion). Petroleum and Energy Minister Terje Aasland announced that this decision aims to secure jobs and lay the groundwork for wind power, hydrogen, and carbon capture technologies. However, environmental groups have condemned the decision, arguing it contradicts efforts toward a green transition and renewable energy development. Karoline Andaur, head of WWF Norway, called it "a sad day for the climate," while Halvard Haga Raavand of Greenpeace Norway criticised the investment as worsening the climate crisis and destroying our shared future.
Freedom of peaceful assembly
Police charges five people after violent protest in Bergen
Norwegian police have charged five people following a violent protest in Bergen which took place on 2nd September 2023. The protest was triggered by a celebration to mark the 30th anniversary of Eritrea's independence from Ethiopia, which had been organised by an Eritrean organisation. According to media reports, when the organisers arrived at the venue where the celebration was to take place, they were met by hundreds of protesters, also from the Eritrean community in Norway, who accused them of supporting the current Eritrean regime, which they themselves deny. Violence broke out between the two groups, with multiple people incurring minor injuries. The police were quick to disperse the gathering and used tear gas against the demonstrators.
Environmental and Sami rights activists continue to occupy streets, parliament to secure Sami human rights
As previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, in the first half of 2023, hundreds of Sami and environmental activists staged a series of demonstrations to demand the demolition of wind farms, blocking roads and even entering and occupying the Parliament building. On 11th October, they blocked the main boulevard in central Oslo in response to the Norwegian government’s refusal to remove two wind farms, which they argue violate Sami human rights. On the same day, police forcibly removed some demonstrators. The following day, activists blocked the entrance to the state-owned hydropower company Statkraft in Lysaker, near Oslo.
On 13th October, the demonstrations continued, blocking the entrances of 11 government ministries and marching to the Royal Palace to demand the return of Sami grazing lands and an end to human rights violations against the Sami. While some demonstrators, including Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were forcibly removed by police, they were promised an audience with King Harald and Crown Prince Haakon. The Sami people suspended their demonstrations on 16th October, after ensuring their demands were heard by the King and the Prince. They view this meeting as an opportunity to remind the government of its failure to implement a Supreme Court decision from 2021.