NORWAY: Many young people dead in twin attacks

At least 76 people were killed in Norway on Friday in twin attacks on the capital Oslo and on the island of Utøya, where most of those killed were young people.

A large bomb blast in central Oslo, close to key Government buildings, killed eight people. On the island of Utøya, at least 68 young people were shot dead by a gunman dressed in police uniform. Some are still unaccounted for. 

On Utøya Island politically active youngsters gather every summer to play football, participate in debates and meet the Labour Party leadership, former and present. In the words of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who was due to visit the island to address the young people, said that what was once a paradise for young people has been turned into hell.

"What happened at the Labour Youth League summer camp on Utøya was a nightmare for the young people who have been killed. For their families. Mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters who have been brutally confronted with death".

"Young people have experienced things that no one should have to experience. Fear, blood and death. I am unable to express with words how deeply I feel with all who have been hit."

While visiting victims and their families on Saturday, he insisted that Norwegian values would not change: “we are an open society, we are a democratic society, and we are a society where we have a very close relationship between politicians and the people”, he said.

"Norway is a country where young people can be active in political youth movements and organisations without being afraid, where they have the right to have controversial opinions without being afraid", he continued.

The United Nations Security Council members strongly condemned the twin terrorist attacks in Norway.

In a statement to the press issued today, the Council deplored the attacks and voiced its deep sympathies for the victims and their families, and to both the people and Government of Norway.

The Norwegian Ombudsman for Children's office has set up a crisis phone line for children and young people. They have also issued advice on how to talk to children about the atrocities.

(SOURCE: NRK / BBC / Euronews / Associated Press / UN News Centre)

 

Further Information:

Country: 

Please note that these reports are hosted by CRIN as a resource for Child Rights campaigners, researchers and other interested parties. Unless otherwise stated, they are not the work of CRIN and their inclusion in our database does not necessarily signify endorsement or agreement with their content by CRIN.