Freedom of association
Norwegian government presses ahead with wind turbines, disregards Sami rights
Following the massive protests in February 2023, previously reported by the CIVICUS Monitor, the Norwegian government's decision to pursue new studies and reports to ensure the operation of wind turbines on Sami grazing land has once again raised concerns among indigenous Sami activists and the wider community. Silje Karine Muotka, President of the Sami Parliament, described the government's actions as a “violation of human rights” and a sign that the rights of the Sami people are not being protected.
Despite positive meetings between Terje Aasland, Oil and Energy Minister, and Silje Karine Muotka, the government's insistence on further studies on the coexistence of power generation and grazing, rather than taking immediate action, raises doubts about its commitment to upholding the Supreme Court's ruling from 2021 which found the turbines to be in violation of the human rights of the Sami people. Members of Parliament, including those from the government's supporting party, have described this approach as “completely unacceptable” and warned it could lead to “a major conflict.”
Freedom of peaceful assembly
Massive labour protest prompts agreement on wage increases
On 17th April, nearly 25,000 labour union members demonstrated in Norway to protest a proposed wage raise that fell below the cost of living. The protests escalated after failed negotiations between the Norwegian Trade Union Federation (LO) and the National Employers' Organisation (NHO). NHO's proposed 5.2 percent wage increase was deemed insufficient by LO, especially in light of rising prices and the significant bonuses received by executives, referred to as a “bonus bonanza.” LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik highlighted that the widening wage gap underscores broader issues of income inequality and declining purchasing power for workers. Conversely, NHO leaders argued that their proposals would stimulate real growth for workers. The strikes caused widespread disruptions across various sectors in the country. Peggy Hessen Følsvik stated that they would persist until workers “receive pay raises that will equate to real wage growth higher than the cost of living.” The four-day demonstrations ended after Norway’s largest Trade Union Confederation (LO) accepted a new wage offer from the National Employers’ Organization (NHO).