The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) expresses its deepest concern for the way Norway arranges religious education and instruction within the public school system.

In 1997 Norway introduced new compulsory religious syllabus for primary and secondary schools where children are educated overwhelmingly about Lutheran Christianity, while non-Christian minorities are denied the right of exemption from these classes. The discriminatory effect of this is enhanced by the fact that Norwegian legislation has a Christian general clause for the schools.

We are aware that the Scandinavian countries, and not least the famous peace-negotiator Norway, are looked upon as models for democracy. It is therefore most regrettable that the lack of religious freedom in Norwegian schools may legitimate Human Rights violations in undemocratic regimes.

IHEU very much hopes that governments, groups, institutions and courts dealing with freedom and dignity of minoities within today’s Europe will realise the harmful effect of discriminatory practices in relation to children’s cultural identity, who are the next generation of decision making adults in a growing multicultural society.

Compulsory indoctrination in the beliefs of the majority religion should not be allowed anywhere in the world and is contrary to established universal standards of Human Rights. Consequently, IHEU supports the complaints before the Human Rights Committee.

Babu Gogineni
28 November 2002 – London
– Statement of Support to Norwegian Complaint