A/HRC/13/5 Introduction 1. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review, established in accordance with Human Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18 June 2007, held its sixth session from 30 November to 11 December 2009. The review of Norway was held at the 5th meeting, on 2 December 2009. The delegation of Norway was headed by H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister for Foreign Affairs. At its meeting held on 4 December 2009, the Working Group adopted the present report on Norway. 2. On 7 September 2009, the Human Rights Council selected the following group of rapporteurs (troika) to facilitate the review of Norway: Nigeria, Pakistan and Ukraine. 3. In accordance with paragraph 15 of the annex to resolution 5/1, the following documents were issued for the review of Norway: (a) A national report submitted/written presentation made in accordance with paragraph 15 (a) (A/HRC/WG.6/6/ NOR/1); (b) A compilation prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in accordance with paragraph 15 (b) (A/HRC/WG.6/6/NOR/2); (c) A summary prepared by OHCHR in accordance with paragraph 15 (c) (A/HRC/WG.6/6/NOR/3). 4. A list of questions prepared in advance by Argentina, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland was transmitted to Norway through the troika. These questions are available on the extranet of the Working Group. I. Summary of the proceedings of the review process A. Presentation by the State under review 5. Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister for Foreign Affairs, recalled that the advancement of universal human rights is a core value and a principal objective for the Norwegian Government. 6. Norway highlighted the substantial role of civil society, non-governmental organizations, the national institution for human rights, indigenous people and other stakeholders in the universal review process. Comments from civil society were reflected in the national report, and a website on the process had been launched. The process was an occasion for the authorities to undertake a critical examination of the human rights situation in Norway. 7. The Norwegian State is established on the territory of two peoples, the Norwegians and Sámi. Five national minorities are represented in Norway: Kven, Jews, Forest Finns, Roma and Romani. Throughout history, the Sámi people and national minorities have been victims of assimilation policies and injustices. 8. The establishment of the Sámi Parliament, Sámediggi, in 1989 was recognized as a leap forward. The Government seeks to maintain a close dialogue with the Sámi people and the national minorities to ensure participation and prevent discrimination and exclusion. 9. Due to migration, Norway’s composition has changed considerably during the last 20 years. Diversity has added value to Norway’s society, but prejudice, xenophobia and 3