ECtHR finds no violation in climate case against Norway, but clarifies obligations for petroleum projects
What the case is about In 2016, the Norwegian government awarded ten new oil production licences in vulnerable natural areas in the Arctic as part of the 23rd licensing round. On that basis, Greenpeace Nordic, Nature and Youth, the Norwegian Grandparents Climate Campaign and Friends of the Earth Norway commenced a case in the Oslo […]
Human Rights under Norwegian Law
Norway is party to the vast majority of international human rights conventions. Human rights are well integrated into the Norwegian legal system, and Norwegian courts follow a general principle that domestic law should be interpreted in accordance with international law. The drafting and consultation procedures for new legislation also include consideration of human rights implications.
Functions of the Norwegian Human Rights Institution
The Norwegian Human Rights Institution (NIM) is an independent public body established by the Norwegian Parliament in 2015 to strengthen the implementation of human rights in Norway.
New EFTA Court judgment: Combustion emissions must be assessed and unlawful production licences must be remedied
On 21 May 2025, the EFTA Court issued a new advisory opinion in Case E-18/24. The Court clarified that, under the EU’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive (2011/92/EU), greenhouse gas emissions from the subsequent combustion of oil and gas must be assessed before a decision is made on extraction. The decision sets out clear obligations for the Norwegian authorities and courts under EEA law, which are also relevant to Norway’s human rights obligations with respect to climate change.
The relationship between consultations and stakeholder dialogue
This is an English summary of the report “Forholdet mellom konsultasjoner og interessentdialog” (“The relationship between consultations and stakeholder dialogue”), from the Norwegian Human Rights Institution (NIM).
Kai Spurkland appointed new director of the Norwegian Human Rights Institution
Kai Spurkland has been appointed as the new director of the Norwegian Human Rights Institution (NIM). Spurkland comes from his position as a police prosecutor in the Oslo Police District and as a researcher at the Norwegian Police University College.
Written contribution to the CESCR draft General Comment
NIM has submitted input to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The committee is to develop a general comment on the relationship between the environment and sustainable development. NIM emphasizes the need to clarify states’ environmental responsibilities, protect vulnerable groups and future generations, and strengthen the rights of indigenous peoples.
Exploring human rights awareness, attitudes and perception in scandinavia
This report explores how people in the Scandinavian countries perceive and understand human rights issues, highlighting differences and similarities in awareness and opinions. It examines public views on the relevance of human rights and assesses which rights are seen as most at risk, along with trust in the public institutions mandated to protect these rights. […]
The Norwegian climate change framework in light of Article 8 of the ECHR
In a historic ruling earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) concluded that Switzerland violated human rights by not reducing enough emissions. To advise the authorities on the follow-up to the ruling, NIM has examined what it could mean for Norway. The conclusion is that Norwegian climate change framework is unlikely to […]
New global working group on indigenous rights
NIM has recently initiated the establishment of a working group on indigenous rights as part of our collaboration with GANHRI. This week, NIM and GANHRI held the first meeting of the network. In total, over 20 institutions from all continents participated.