Advising the Norwegian MFA on minority rights

Aim of the project

The aim of this project is to provide analysis, advice and process-assistance to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on a project focusing on minorities.

Background
“In times of great societal change, minorities are threatened. We have seen it time and time again, unfortunately in Europe as well. The ability of governments to protect minorities is the ultimate test of their democratic values.” This quote from a speech by the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre describes the background for the recent launch of the Ministry’s “Minority project”.

The project is coordinated by Section for Human Rights and Democracy in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and will draw upon the Ministry’s in-house expertise, international network and local stakeholders. The assignment is part of ILPI’s Framework Agreement with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Client

Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Deliverables & time frame

Deliverables
The objective of the assignment is to provide strategic guidance, analysis and support from ILPI to the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Minority Project”. Deliverables will also include assessments, process-assistance and input to seminars and workshops. ILPI will draw upon its local resources in Oslo, in addition to networks in Norway and internationally. In addition, ILPI is managing a scholarship grant for master students writing their thesis within the focus of the “Minority Project”.

Time frame
The project started mid-April 2012.

ILPI contact point
The contact person for this project is Njål Høstmælingen (Project Leader). Hanne Steen and Sheila Padmanabhan are also working on this project.