The Norwegian government was handed a 700-page report on the impairment of the rights of Sami, Kvens (Norwegian Finns) and Forest Finns. The material is based on 760 interviews with representatives of the indigenous peoples who faced blatant violations of their fundamental rights.

The entire report was broadcast in the national television:

“Human rights protection is a fundamental priority in Norway as a contemporary and open democracy. This is our commitment as a society. The way we protect our indigenous peoples and minorities is one of the most important indicators of the way we observe our duties and values,” said Masud Gharahkhani, president of Storting, the unicameral Norwegian Parliament, after receiving the report.

According to the Head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Dagfinn Høybråten, the minorities and indigenous peoples in Norway still face injustices.

“Today, people still have negative experiences that have their roots in the long history of Norwegianization. Now it is time to face the injustices committed by the nation in relations with the Sami, Kvens/Norwegian Finns and Forest Finns,” Høybråten said.

President of the Sami Parliament Silje Karine Muotka noted that Norwegianization will remain a sensitive issue for the Sami community.