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Summary: This report extracts mentions of children's rights issues in the reports of all UN Treaty Bodies and their follow-up procedures. This does not include the Concluding Observations of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child which are available here: http://www.crin.org/resources/treaties/index.asp
Please note that the language may have been edited in places for the purpose of clarity.
Scroll to:
- UN Human Rights Committee
- UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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UN Committee against Torture
- follow-up - UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
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UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- follow-up - UN Committee on Migrant Workers
- UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
- UN Committee on Enforced Disappearance
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CCPR/C/NOR/CO/6
Last Reported: 24 and 25 October 2011 Concluding Observations issued: 18 November 2011
Issues raised and recommendations given:
Violence: The Committee is concerned about reports of widespread gender-based violence, particularly rape, which is not often reported to the Police. The Committee is also concerned about the high incidence of domestic violence against women and children that leads to deaths. The State party should take all necessary measures to effectively combat all forms of violence against women, particularly sexual violence. In this regard, the State party should sensitize the society on the prevalence of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, and provide appropriate training to law enforcement personnel to be able to effectively deal with these incidents. The State party should also ensure that the perpetrators of such acts are investigated, prosecuted and, if convicted, punished with appropriate sanctions. (arts. 3, 7 and 26) (Para. 9)
Juvenile Justice: The Committee is concerned at the excessive length and conditions of pre-trial detention of juveniles. The State party should strictly limit the pre-trial detention of juveniles and, to the extent possible, adopt alternative measures to pre-trial detention. While welcoming the efforts by the State party to establish separate juvenile detention units, the Committee is concerned that the State party maintains a reservation to article 10, paragraphs 2 (b) and 3, of the Covenant and that juveniles are not segregated from adult prisoners (art. 10). The State party should consider withdrawing its reservations to article 10, paragraphs 2 (b) and 3, of the Covenant ; at the same time, it should ensure that juveniles are segregated from adult prisoners and promote alternative forms of punishment, such as community service and the use of electronic monitoring devices. (arts. 10 and 14) (Paras. 12-13)
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CCPR/C/NOR/CO/5
Last reported: 14 March 2006
Concluding Observations adopted: 24 March 2006
Mothers in prison: The Committee expresses concern about the practice of preventing infants from remaining with their mother in custody. The Committee also highlights the unequal and discriminatory treatment that these mothers face in being refused leave from prison when breastfeeding on the basis of nationality which, according to articles 10, 17 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, amounts to discrimination. In this regard, the Committee urges the State to review its practice of separating infants from their mothers and of using nationality as a criterion to decide on requests for leave from prison when breastfeeding. In such cases, the State should further consider imposing appropriate non-custodial measures. (Para. 16)
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UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
E/C.12/NOR/CO/5
Last reported: 21 November 2013 Concluding observations: 29 November 2013
Institutionalisation: The Committee reiterates its concern about the high and increasing number of children removed from family care. It notes however that in June 2013 amendments to the Child Welfare Act have been introduced transferring the responsibility of following up on children in foster families to the relevant municipality. (art.10).
The Committee recommends that the State party address the situation of children who are removed from their families and placed in institutions or foster homes and to take measures to identify and address the underlying causes. The Committee reiterates its recommendation that the State party undertake periodic comprehensive reviews of children placed in institutions or foster homes and strengthen its efforts to provide parents with the necessary assistance and support to enable them to exercise their parental role and responsibilities in the upbringing and education of their children. The Committee also recommends that the State party ensure that municipalities, under the newly acquired responsibility to follow-up on children in foster homes based on the 2013 amendments to the Child Welfare Act, are provided with sufficient resources and support so that they can effectively undertake preventive work in families at risk as well as follow up work for children in foster families or homes. (Para. 11)
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: The Committee is concerned that the regulations adopted in 2007 by Parliament to ensure that unaccompanied asylum-seeking children are cared for by the Child Welfare Services do not cover children beyond the age of 15 (art. 10).
The Committee recommends that the coverage of the Child Welfare Services be extended to all unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, in order to ensure that all children without parental care are entitled to benefit from the services provided. (Para. 12)
Poverty: The Committee is concerned about the persistently high level of child poverty in some segments of the society of the State party under the conditions of growing prosperity. The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to elaborate and implement a substantially more effective strategy of fighting child poverty, focused on these segments of society, including, but not limited to, providing free healthcare, child allowances, childcare and other services to the affected families. (Para. 14) (art.11)
Adequate housing: The Committee is concerned that the municipal social housing stock is about 4 percent of the nation-wide housing stock, resulting in strict criteria for social housing allocation and long waiting lists. It is concerned that the quality of social housing is generally poor with a large maintenance backlog. The Committee is also concerned about the continuing high number of homeless persons, including an increasing number of children that are homeless with their parents (art.11).
The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to improve the availability and provision of municipal low-cost social housing units to disadvantaged and marginalized groups and individuals. It also recommends that the State party take steps to ensure the collection of data, on an annual basis, on the demand for social housing and the average waiting time, and include such data in its next periodic report. The Committee urges the State party to strengthen measures to address the phenomenon of homelessness, and recommends that it take immediate steps to address the situation of children that are homeless with their parents. The Committee draws the attention of the State party to its General Comment No.4 (1991) on the right to adequate housing. (Para. 15)
Psychiatric services for asylum seeking children: The Committee is concerned that children and adolescents living in reception centers do not receive satisfactory treatment from psychiatric services and that the waiting time before receiving such services is long (art.12).
The Committee recommends that the State party take steps to ensure that asylum seeking children receive adequate psychiatric services when needed, and to improve the competence and preparedness of staff at reception centers in relation to the special vulnerability of asylum seeking children. (para. 20)
Bullying: The Committee is concerned about the higher drop-out rate of immigrant students, in particular in upper secondary education. It is furthermore concerned that children from minority communities are more likely to experience bullying in schools (arts. 13 and 14).
The Committee recommends that the State party continue to take measures to reduce the drop-out rate of immigrant students. The Committee also recommends that the State party systematically collect data on bullying in schools, disaggregated by ethnic group, adopt measures, legislative or otherwise, to combat bullying in schools, and assess the effectiveness of such measures in countering the phenomenon.
Compulsary education for Roma children: The Committee is concerned about the very high levels of absenteeism of Roma children of compulsory school age, despite the measures taken by the State party, such as the 2009 Plan of Action.
The Committee recommends that the State party take measures to ensure that all Roma children attend compulsory education, including through making it more accessible for those who travel for a part of the year. The Committee recommends that the State party establish a new plan of action, based on an evaluation of the 2009 plan of action. (para. 24)
Access to education of asylum-seeking minors: The Committee is concerned that the State party continues to place restrictions on the access to education of asylum-seeking minors who are over the compulsory school age (arts. 13 and 14).
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure, through legislative and other measures, that asylum-seeking minors who are over the compulsory school age have access to primary and secondary education, on an equal footing to other children. (para. 25)
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(E/C.12/1/Add. 109)
Last reported: 3 and 4 May 2005
Concluding Observations: 13 May 2005
Issues raised and recommendations given:
Family separation: The Committee is concerned by the high number of children who are removed from their families and placed in institutions or foster homes. The Committee urges the State to conduct research on the underlying causes of family separation. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the State strengthen its efforts to provide parents with assistance and support to enable them to exercise their role and responsibilities as parents in the upbringing and education of their children. The Committee also requests that the State carry out periodic reviews of the situation of children placed in institutions or foster homes; and that in its next periodic report, it provide disaggregated data on the number and ethnic origin of children placed in institutions or foster homes, the average period of placement, the reasons for their placement, and the measures taken to reunite children with their biological parents. (Para. 14)
Asylum-seekers: The Committee is concerned by the number of asylum-seeking children who suffer from trauma and illness who are not afforded adequate assistance. The Committee recommends that the State strengthen measures to ensure that asylum-seeking children are provided with adequate health and psychiatric services, and also that the State ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. (Para. 20)
Eating disorders: The Committee is concerned by the high incidence of eating disorders among adolescents as well as the high incidence of suicide among adolescent boys aged 15-19. The Committee urges the State to continue strengthening the strategy developed in 2000 to tackle eating disorders and ensure adequate follow-up to the Plan of Action against Suicide. (Para. 21)
Access to education: The Committee is concerned by the restrictions placed on the access to education of asylum-seekers. Children who seek asylum only have access to free primary and lower secondary education. The Committee urges the State to ensure the availability of sufficient places in kindergartens, particularly in densely populated urban areas. It also recommends that the State ensure access to education for children who seek asylum while their claims are being processed. (Para. 22)
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CAT/C/NOR/CO/6-7
Last reported: 1 and 2 November 2012
Concluding Observations issued: 13 December 2012
Issues raised and recommendations given:
Preventive detention: The Committee expresses its concern regarding the system of preventive detention, in particular concerning the frequency by which it is used as well as, in some cases, its prolonged length. The Committee further notes with regret that minors between 15 and 18 years old may be subject to preventive detention (arts. 2, 11 and 16). (Para 9)
The State party should revise its system of preventive detention, reducing its use to an absolute minimum. Taking into account the provisions of the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules), the State party should also consider abolishing the practice of subjecting young offenders to preventive detention, except in exceptional and extraordinary cases according to specific and strict criteria defined by law.
Pre-trial Detention: The Committee expresses its serious concern with regard to the extensive use of police detention cells for pretrial detention longer than 48 hours and regrets that minors also continue to be subjected to this practice. The Committee regrets further that there is a lack of general and formalized routines on how to handle minors in pretrial detention, as the Norwegian Ombudsman for Children has received reports by several minors describing their stay as “extremely exhausting”, with inadequate follow-up from the child welfare service and health-care services (arts. 11, 12, 13 and 16). (Para 10)
The State party should abolish the widespread use of police detention cells beyond the 48- hour term required by the law. The State party should use pretrial detention of minors as a measure of last resort and should also ensure that child welfare emergency officers are available in all police districts. It should develop clear and foreseeable routines for treatment of minors in police custody and see they are effectively implemented in practice.
Unaccompanied minors: The Committee has received reports of NGOs raising concerns about the number of unaccompanied minors who have not returned to asylum centres in the State party, including the 68 children who were still missing from these centres on 31 August 2012. The Committee is also concerned about the provision in the Immigration Regulations (Section 8-8) which grants unaccompanied asylum-seeking minors between the ages of 16 and 18 years a temporary permit that expires at the age of 18, as this may encourage minors to leave the asylum centres before their permit expires. Furthermore, while welcoming the different measures taken to combat human trafficking such as the new Plan of Action against Human Trafficking launched by the Government in December 2010, the Committee notes with regret that trafficking in persons still remains a problem in the State party, especially concerning girls (arts. 2 and 16). (Para 22)
The State party should strengthen its efforts to prevent minors from going missing from asylum centres by allocating sufficient resources to the immigration authorities to prevent and investigate every case of missing minors. The police should be provided with all the necessary resources to investigate and prosecute cases of trafficking.
Young offenders: While welcoming the continued efforts of the State party to establish two separate prison units for young offenders, the Committee notes with concern that, despite the reduced number of children in prison, children are almost always detained with adults (arts. 11 and 16). (Para 23)
The State party should ensure that minors are always segregated from adults, either in pretrial detention or after conviction, in accordance with international standards, such as the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Administration of Juvenile Justice (the Beijing Rules). The State party is urged to establish the second unit for the detention of juveniles as soon as possible.
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Last reported: 12 and 13 November 2007
Concluding Observations adopted: 20 November 2007
This report contains no mention of children's rights.
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UN Committee against Torture: Follow-up
This report contains no mention of children's rights.
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UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women
CEDAW/C/NOR/CO/8
Last reported: 23 March 2012
Concluding Observations issued: 16 February 2012
Issues raised:
Stereotyping: While welcoming the dialogue that the State party’s Government opened with the commercial and the fashion industry, the Committee is concerned about the omnipresence of media-driven hyper-sexualised and commodified representations of girls and women, potentially leading to gender discrimination of a more violent nature, notwithstanding section 2 of the Marketing Control Act and the media’s code of ethics in confronting this issue. Para 21.
22. The Committee urges the State party to: (a) Conduct a study on the possible impact of over-sexualized representation of girls and women in the media on increasing levels of gender-based violence against women; (b) Use innovative measures that target media people to strengthen understanding of the equality of women and men and through the educational system to enhance a positive and non-stereotypical portrayal of women; and (c) Monitor the measures taken in order to assess their impact and review them, if necessary, in order to achieve the objectives of such measures.
Violence: While welcoming the launch in January 2012 of the new Plan of Action to Combat Domestic Violence and the establishment of the duty to contact the police or otherwise attempt to prevent domestic violence (sect. 139 of the Penal Code), the Committee expresses its concern at the high prevalence of violence against women in the State party, in particular, domestic and sexual violence, including rape and marital rape in some communities, the high level of acquittals, the lenient sentences imposed on perpetrators which may be partly attributed to lack of gender training of lay judges who serve as jury in criminal cases, the absence of surveys and research on root causes of violence against women. It is also concerned at the apparent lack of awareness among women that marital rape is criminalized in the State party.
The Committee reiterates its previous concerns at the lack of a comprehensive law on prevention of violence against women. The Committee is also concerned that the definition of rape contained in the General Penal Code maintains the requirement of the use of threat or force. While noting the adoption in 2009 of the new Act relating to provision of municipal crisis centres (Crisis Centre Act), which directs all municipalities to have a shelter for women, men and children victims of violence and abuse in close relationships, the Committee is concerned that, of 51 shelters, 22 shelters are for men and 10 of them remain empty, apparently due to inadequate estimation of the needs for this type of establishment, and that only half are accessible for women with physical disabilities. (Para 23)
The Committee urges the State party to: (a) Give high priority to the enactment of comprehensive specific legislation on domestic violence, to put in place comprehensive measures to prevent and address violence against women and girls, including marital rape, to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished commensurate with the gravity of their crimes, in accordance with the Committee’s general recommendation No. 19 (1992) on violence against women and to raise awareness among women that marital rape is criminalized; (b) Adopt a legal definition of rape in the Penal Code so as to place the lack of consent at its centre, in line with the Committee’s general recommendation No. 19, and the Vertido case (communication No. 18/2008); (c) Train lay judges on the subject of violence against women; (d) Provide adequate assistance and protection to women victims of violence, including to women with disabilities, by strengthening the capacity of shelters and crisis centres, and ensure that the need to help men victims of violence is addressed without detriment to the needs of women victims of violence; and (e) Set a time frame for ratifying the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. (Para. 24)
Trafficking: While welcoming the enactment of the Government’s Plan of Action against Human Trafficking 2011–2014 (2011), the establishment of the National Coordination Unit for Victims of Human Trafficking (KOM) and the criminalization of the purchase of sexual activity or a sexual act from adults, the Committee remains concerned that the number of victims of trafficking is constantly increasing (203 in 2007, 256 in 2008 and 292 in 2009), and that the reporting rate remains low. Notwithstanding the recent changes in the State party’s au pair scheme, the Committee is also concerned at the lack of monitoring of the au pair system and insufficient protection of women and girls working as au pair, which can lead to exploitation. (Para 25)
The Committee calls upon the State party to fully implement article 6 of the Convention, including through: (a) Effective implementation of the existing legislation and the new Plan of Action against human trafficking, ensuring that perpetrators are prosecuted and punished and victims are adequately identified, protected and assisted; (b) Ensuring a systematic monitoring and periodic evaluation, including the collection and analysis of data on trafficking and exploitation of women in prostitution, as well as of the au pair system and to include such data in its next periodic report;
The Committee further recommends: (c) Increasing efforts at international, regional and bilateral cooperation with countries of origin, transit and destination to prevent trafficking through information exchange and to harmonize legal procedures aiming at prosecution of traffickers; (d) Taking necessary steps to ensure that trafficked women and girls have access to quality medical care, counselling, financial support, adequate housing and programmes for reintegration in the education system and labour market, as well as access to free legal services, regardless of their availability or willingness to testify against their traffickers; and (e) Studying the effects of the amendment of section 202a of the Penal Code, including on the type and extent of prostitution and trafficking, as well as on social perceptions on prostitution and on the purchase of sex services, as well as on women who engage in prostitution. (Para. 26)
Education: While welcoming the range of positive measures taken by the State party, the Committee notes the persistence of gender segregation in the field of education, starting with day care and preschools (which are still 90 per cent female-dominated), and particularly in vocational training and higher education, as well as stereotyped educational choices by girls and boys. It notes with concern also the lack of qualified personnel to implement gender perspective in early childhood education. The Committee expresses its concern at the persistence of appointment practices in universities that are advantageous to men, resulting in women accounting for only 18 per cent of full professors in 2007, as indicates the State party’s report, although there is no shortage of qualified and suitable women candidates. (Para 27)
The Committee urges the State party to enhance its compliance with article 10 of the Convention and to raise awareness of the important role of educational system in overcoming differentiated professional choices and potentially unequal future prospects of women and men. To this end, it urges the State party to: (a) Implement measures to eliminate gender stereotypes and structural barriers that might deter girls’ and boys’ enrolment in non-traditional educational and occupational choices, including by better training careers and vocational advice service providers throughout all levels of educational system; and (b) Consider adopting temporary special measures to accelerate advancement of women in academia, through women specific grants and other affirmative action measures such as setting clear targets and time frame for improvement of this situation without delay. (Para. 28)
Female genital mutilation: While acknowledging the increased supportive measures for Sami women regarding social and health services, the Committee is concerned that Sami women continue to face multiple discrimination, including difficulty in accessing adequate health care, owing inter alia to the unavailability of adequate services for the Sami women living outside the defined Sami area. The Committee is also concerned at disturbing evidence regarding outcome of the voluntary interviews and examination offered by municipalities under the Action Plan for Combating Female Genital Mutilation 2008–2011, which may result in further stigmatization of communities of ethnic minorities, while its success in reducing the extent of the phenomenon is unclear. (Para 31)
The Committee calls upon the State party to: (a) Ensure that all Sami women are provided with adequate social and health services, including mental health services; (b) Ensure that gender perspectives are mainstreamed in all policies and programmes regarding the Sami people; and (c) Re-evaluate the Action Plan for Combating Female Genital Mutilation 2008–2011 with a view to revitalising the role of civil society in the effort to combat female genital mutilation. (Para. 32)
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CEDAW/C/NOR/CO/7
Last reported: 1 August 2007
Concluding Observations published: 10 August 2007
Issues raised and recommendations given:
The lack of statistics and data on trafficking in women and girls, despite the measures already taken by the State with regard to human trafficking. (Para. 21)
The practices of forced marriages and female genital mutilation, but the Committee notes that the issue remains high on the political agenda and that relevant plans of action are being implemented. (Para. 29)
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UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
CERD/C/NOR/CO/21-22
Last reported: 17 and 18 August 2015
Concluding Observations: 28 August 2015
Issues raised and recommendations given:
Racist hate speech, including speech over Internet and incitement to racial hatred: While noting the position of the State party on approaches to combat hate speech, the Committee is concerned about the increase in hate speech and xenophobic discourse by politicians and in media and other public platforms, including via Internet, contributing to fuelling racist hatred, intolerance, stereotypes, prejudices and stigmatisation of some specific groups, such as ethnic and national minorities and indigenous peoples, including Sami people, non-western European migrants, Roma and asylum-seekers. The Committee is also concerned that article 135a of the Criminal Code which penalizes discriminatory expressions and hate speech, is not always adequately and effectively applied to prevent and protect against hate speech, in particular by prosecuting those responsible. While noting that some measures have already been taken by the State party, the Committee is concerned about the lack of a long-term strategy aimed at firmly combating hate speech (art.2, 4, 5, 6) (para 15)
In light of its general recommendations No.7 (1985) and No. 15 (1993) relating to the implementation of article 4 of the Convention and its general recommendations No. 30 (2004) on discrimination against non-citizens, and recalling its general recommendations No. 35 (2013) on combating racist hate speech, the Committee reminds the State party of the importance of safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups in need of protection against racist hate speech and, therefore, recommends that the State party take appropriate measures to: [...] (e) Conduct research on the prevalence and harmful effects of hate speech, and include such information in school curricula and teaching materials. (para 16)
The situation of Roma and Taters: While noting measures taken by the State party, the Committee is concerned about: [...] b) the persistent difficulties and inequalities faced by Roma and Taters in accessing employment, housing, healthcare services and education, compared to the rest of the population of Norway; c) the low level of education among Roma and Taters, coupled with lower school attendance of Roma children; d) the reports of negative effect of the frequent recourse of separation of Roma children from their families, as protection measures (art. 2, 5). (para 25)
Recalling its general recommendation No. 27 (2000) on discrimination against Roma, the Committee recommends that the State party: (a) Develop appropriate strategies and policies aimed at responding adequately to difficulties faced by the Roma and Taters in accessing employment, housing, healthcare services and education in order to be fully integrated in the Norwegian society; [...] e) Enhance measures aimed at improving school attendance of Roma children and carefully review its practice of placing Roma children in institutional settings or welfare services. (para 26)
The situation of the Sami: While noting the Action Plan for the Sami languages adopted by the State party, the Committee remains concerned at reports that Sami mother-tongue teaching is not adequately protected and that schools do not always fulfil the mother-tongue teaching requirements due to a lack of sufficient teaching materials, financing and staffing. The Committee is also concerned about the vulnerable situation of the East Sami culture due in particular to the restrictive regulation of reindeer herding and fishing and hunting, which constitutes an important part their culture, and about the insufficiency of measures to preserve it. (art.5) (para 27)
Recalling its General observation no.23 (1997) on rights of indigenous peoples, the Committee recommends that the State party reinforce its measures to effectively ensure the promotion and the preservation of the Sami languages, in particular those under threat by ensuring that Sami mother-tongue teaching requirements are fulfilled and securing teaching materials as well as financial and staffing resources for schools; and guarantee the effective implementation of the Action Plan for Sami languages. The Committee also recommends that the State party increase its efforts to effectively apply the Finnmark Act and preserve the land rights of East Sami and their culture including by finding an appropriate solution to secure the reindeer herding, fishing and hunting that is important to East Sami. (para 28)
Refugees and asylum seekers, including unaccompanied minors: While noting the explanations provided by the State party, the Committee remains concerned about the use of solitary confinement to ensure safe deportation in the Trandum Immigration Centre, reportedly without a proper assessment and appropriate health services. The Committee is also concerned by reports of detention of children in immigration centres in the State party. It is further concerned about the reported disappearance of unaccompanied minors, who may become victims of human trafficking (art.5) (para 35)
The Committee recommends that the State party: a) review the procedures and restrict the practice of solitary confinement of migrants and asylum seekers awaiting deportation; b) put in place adequate health services, including for mental illness for such persons; c) avoid the detention of children and; d) ensure an effective protection of unaccompanied minors including against trafficking. (para 36)
Interpretation services: While noting measures taken by the State party, the Committee remains concerned about reports on the continued practice of using children, next of kin and unqualified persons in providing interpretation services, in particular in the areas of healthcare and law enforcement, thus risking the impairment of equal access to public services for persons with immigrant background and Roma (art.5). (para 37)
The Committee recommends that the State party ensure that interpretation services is provided by qualified professionals and avoid using children or next of skin. The Committee also recommends that the State party follow-up on the report of the Interpreting Services Review Committee and adopt legislation on interpretation services to guarantee equal access to public services for all.(para 38)
Right to education: The Committee is concerned that children living in asylum centres do not always enjoy access to kindergarten. It is also concerned about reports that Section 3-1 of the Education Act has the effect of excluding from the upper secondary school, children above the age of 15 and without a legal residence status. (art 2, 5). (para 39)
The Committee recommends that the State party review Section 3-1 of the Education Act in order to guarantee the right to education, including at the upper secondary school, to all children within its jurisdiction, irrespective of their residence status. (para 40)
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CERD/C/NOR/CO/19-20
Last reported: 21 and 22 February 2011
Concluding Observations: 9 March 2011
Issues raised and recommendations given:
Refugees and asylum seekers: The Committee is concerned by the situation of migrants, persons from a migrant background, asylum-seekers and refugees with regard to discrimination against them in terms of access to public services, housing, the labour market and health, and in particular adequate physical and mental health services for traumatised refugees and asylum-seekers. The Committee is also concerned at the dropout rate of students from an immigrant background, including from upper secondary education. (arts. 4, 5 and 6)
In light of its general recommendation 30 (2004) on non-citizens, the Committee urges the State party to consult regularly with the groups and communities concerned and take measures to address the discrimination they face, including with regard to access to public services, housing, education, the labour market and health, including the provision of specialised mental and physical health services for traumatised refugees and asylum-seekers. The Committee invites the State party to consider re-opening the Psycho-Social Centre for Traumatised Refugees. The Committee also recommends that the State party devote more financial resources to training teachers for a multicultural educational environment. The State party should also take the necessary steps to ensure that persons from an immigrant background have access to positions in higher branches of government, academia and businesses. (Para. 9)
Minority languages: The Committee is concerned at the lack of qualified and professional interpreters, especially in the medical and legal fields, for Sami and in particular languages spoken by members of minority groups and non-citizens. The Committee is also concerned about ethical issues arising with regard to interpretation, including the reported use of minors as interpreters for their parents and the reported use of family members as interpreters for those whom they have abused. (arts. 2, 5 and 6)
The Committee urges the State party to improve the availability, accessibility and quality of professional interpretation services, especially in the medical and judicial fields, including by earmarking budget funds to accommodate multiple languages. The Committee recommends that legislation be enacted on the right to professional interpretation regarding public services and prohibiting the use of minors and relatives as interpreters. The Committee also recommends that public service professionals receive information and guidance on how to hire and work with qualified interpreters. (Para. 10)
Unaccompanied asylum-seeking children: The Committee takes note of the stricter rules under the new Immigration Act which entered into force on 1 January 2010, in particular with regard to asylum seekers. It is especially concerned with the situation of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children aged 15 to 18 who live in reception centres, are given a temporary residence permit until the age of 18 and are subsequently liable to removal by force or to voluntary return. The Committee is also concerned with the access of this category of children to health services, education and qualified guardians. (arts 2, 5 and 6)
In light of its general recommendation 30 (2004), the Committee recommends that the State party take all the necessary measures to address the situation of asylum- seekers in a humane manner and in accordance with the law. It recommends that the State party take all measures necessary to ensure special protection for unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, including health care services, education and care by competent guardians, in conformity with Norway's international legal obligations. It also recommends that these children are settled in local communities, outside reception centres, as rapidly as possible and enabled to study beyond primary education. (Para. 12)
Detention: The Committee is concerned with conditions prevailing in reception centres and special return centres for asylum-seekers and rejected asylum-seekers, as well as with conditions in the Trandum detention centre as regards asylum seekers or rejected asylum seekers if conditions for detaining them have been fulfilled. It is also concerned by conditions in the reception centres for children aged 16-18, including those affecting their physical and mental health.
The Committee is also concerned with the proposed lowering of the threshold for imprisonment and the duration of provisional detention of persons whose identity is being verified. (arts. 2, 5 and 6) The Committee, recalling its general recommendations 30 (2004) on non- citizens and 31 (2005) on the prevention of racial discrimination in the administration and functioning of the criminal justice system, recommends that the State party bring the conditions in reception and special return centres, and in reception centres for children, in line with relevant international human rights standards. It recommends that the State party provide the necessary mental and psychological health services by specially trained qualified staff. (Para. 13)
Discrimination and violence against women and girls: While welcoming the Action Plan against Female Genital Mutilation (2008-2011), and the Action Plan against Forced Marriage (2008-2011), the Committee is concerned by the perceived excessive focus on these issues which may be seen as stigmatising women and girls belonging to certain minority groups. (arts. 2, 5 and 6)
The Committee requests to receive an updated evaluation of the effectiveness of the Action Plan against Female Genital Mutilation (2008-2011), and the Action Plan against Forced Marriage (2008-2011) and an assessment of how these also promote the rights of women and girls from certain minority groups without stigmatising them. (Para. 15)
Roma and Tater children: In light of its general recommendation 27 (2000) on discrimination against Roma, the Committee recommends that the State party take active measures to prevent discrimination against the Roma and Romani/Tater communities, in particular regarding their access to public places, housing and employment, and allocate additional resources to find appropriate solutions for integrating children from Roma and Romani communities, especially those from travelling families, into the educational system, to ensure that they benefit fully from all levels of the system, taking into account the community's lifestyle and including enhanced teaching provision in their language. (Para. 20)
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UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination: Follow-up
7 March 2008
No specific mentions of children's rights
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UN Committee on Migrant Workers
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UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
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