Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention, 1989 (No. 169) - Norway (Ratification: 1990)

The Committee notes with interest that with its report on the implementation of the Convention, the Government has sent an opinion of the Council of the Sami Parliament of Norway on the application of the Convention, and that the Government has taken close account of the opinions of the Sami Parliament in its own report. The Sami Parliament is a representative body of the country's indigenous Sami population, which has responsibility for Sami interests inside the country, in close cooperation with the national Government. The Committee notes in addition a 1992 comment of the Sami Parliament on the Government's first report, which was however received only in 1994.

The Committee also notes that the Sami Parliament has indicated its willingness to enter into an informal dialogue with the Committee, together with the Government. The Government has stated that it shares the wish to facilitate the implementation of the Convention, believing that open cooperation between governments and representative indigenous bodies may contribute effectively to the international promotion of indigenous rights and cultures, and that the Government therefore fully supports the suggestion of a supplementary dialogue.

The Committee welcomes warmly the dialogue between the Government and the Sami Parliament on the application of the Convention. It notes that this corresponds to the approach suggested in point VIII of the report form, and looks forward to continuing this exchange of information and views. It considers that this can best be carried out in the context of the regular reporting on the implementation of the Convention. The Committee also encourages the Government and the Sami Parliament to have recourse to any assistance that the International Labour Office may provide in this connection, and notes with interest a workshop in Oslo in September 1994 gathering all parties concerned in the administration of Sami questions, to discuss the Convention's implementation.