The Realisation of Human Rights Education in Norway

Abstract

ABSTRACTNorway is a model for other nations – a successful, rich and ‘virtuous’ country with a stable political system. A majority of Norwegians are very proud of their country and regard the Norwegian culture as superior to that of others. This article discuss the Norwegian state's commitment and efforts to realise human rights education (HRE). In a nutshell, one might say that the Norwegian legal commitment is like a fine-looking Ferrari, that looks strong and good on the surface, but there is no engine, no real commitment under the hood. In reality Norwegian authorities define ‘Christian and humanistic heritage’ as all-encompassing normative values for education, and these norms are regarded as a prerequisite and a foundation for human rights. Thus, human rights education is not really seen as necessary in itself. The government has not adopted any national plan of action and has refused to do so, because it is not considered ‘the optimal measure at this point in time’. On the other hand, the government of Norway define human rights as ‘the hearth’ of Norwegian foreign policy, and they are very annoyed when other states declare that their commitment only applies within the framework of their own national values and traditions.