FSC.EMI/113/25 30 April 2025
_IL PERMANENT DELEGATION OF NORWAY ENGLISH only
TO THE OSCE
0010/2025/umo
The Permanent Delegation of Norway to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe presents its compliments to all Permanent Delegations and Missions to the OSCE and to the Conflict Prevention Centre and, in accordance with Decision 2/09 of the Forum for Security and Co-operation, has the honour to transmit the Norwegian response to the Information Exchange on the Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security.
The Permanent Delegation of Norway to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe avails itself of this opportunity to renew to all Permanent Delegations and Missions to the OSCE and to the Conflict Prevention Centre the assurances of its highest consideratio~
Vienna, 30 April 2025
All Permanent Delegations and Missions to the OSCE The Conflict Prevention Centre Vienna
The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. QUESTIONNAIRE ON THE CODE OF CONDUCT ON POLITICO- MILITARY ASPECTS OF SECURITY – RESPONSES FROM THE KINGDOM OF NORWAY
Section I: Inter-State elements 1. Account of measures to prevent and combat terrorism
1.1 The Norwegian Government condemns all terrorist acts, whatever the motivation, opposes any concession to terrorist demands, and is committed to ensuring that terrorists do not benefit from their acts. Norway works with other states and through international organisations to promote closer international co-ordination of efforts to combat terrorism.
Norway is a State Party to the following international counter-terrorism conventions:
(1) Convention on Offences and Certain Other Acts Committed on Board Aircraft (Tokyo, 14 Sep 1963)
(2) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Seizure of Aircraft (The Hague, 16 Dec 1970)
(3) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation (Montreal, 23 Sep 1971)
(4) Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes against Internationally Protected Persons, Including Diplomatic Agents (New York, 14 Dec 1973)
(5) European Convention on Suppression of Terrorism (Strasbourg, 27 Jan 1977)
(6) International Convention against the Taking of Hostages (New York, 18 Dec 1979)
(7) Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (Vienna and New York, 3 Mar 1980) and its 2005 Amendment.
(8) Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts of Violence at Airports Serving International Civilian Aviation, Supplementary to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Civil Aviation done at Montreal on 23 Sep 1971 (Montreal, 24 Feb 1988)
(9) Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (Rome, 10 Mar 1988)
(10) Protocol for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (Rome, 10 Mar 1988)
(11) Convention on the Marking of Plastic Explosives for the Purpose of Detection (Montreal, 1 Mar 1991)
(12) International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (New York, 15 Dec 1997)
(13) Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism (New York, 9 Dec 1999)
1 (14) The Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism (Warsaw, 16 May 2005)
(15) International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (New York, 13 Apr 2005)
(16) Protocol of 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (London, 2005).
(17) Protocol of the 2005 to the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Fixed Platforms Located on the Continental Shelf (London, 2005)
(18) Agreement between the European Union and Iceland and Norway on the application of certain provisions of Council Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross-border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism and cross-border crime and Council Decision 2008/616/JHA on the implementation of Decision 2008/615/JHA on the stepping up of cross- border cooperation, particularly in combating terrorism an cross-border crime, and the annex thereto (Stockholm and Brussels, 26 and 30 Nov 2009)
(19) Arms Trade Treaty (New York, 2 Apr 2013)
Norway’s efforts to prevent and combat terrorism have been based on the White Paper on Global security challenges in Norway’s foreign policy from 2015, the Government’s revised National Counter Terrorism Strategy from 2022 and the national Action Plan on Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism from 2014. The latter has been revised several times, including a full revision in 2020. The documents underline the importance of relevant United Nations conventions and Security Council resolutions. The national Action Plan on Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism (2020) addresses the issues through a whole-of-government approach. There is an emphasis on early prevention and strengthening local preventive work. Norway has strengthened the role of the police and security service, passed new legislation and increased the police and security services’ budgets. The government has emphasized the need for a close cooperation among different government agencies and local communities to prevent terrorism. As a result, there has been an increased awareness as well as enhanced capacity at all levels to handle these challenges. Many Norwegian communities have developed comprehensive, multi-stakeholder and inclusive CVE-approaches. The National Counter Terrorism Strategy (2022) points out five main areas for development of the counter terrorism efforts in the years to come: Regulatory development, Technology development, Threat communication, Knowledge and expertise and Cooperation. The strategy contains five prioritized measures: 1) Minimise possible gaps in the regulatory framework caused by technology development, particularly in cyberspace, 2) implement measures to improve communication between authorities and potential terrorist targets, 3) strengthen local cooperation against terrorist incidents, 4) increase knowledge about reintegration challenges and measures and 5) better facilitate cross-sectoral cooperation in cases in which mental health issues and extremism are or may be relevant. To ensure that the priorities correspond to the developments and challenges we are facing, the Government will soon revise the National Counter Terrorism Strategy. In this regard, the Government will also consider further developing the Action plan.
2 The Government’s Commission on Extremism was appointed in 2022. Their mandate was to assess how extremism occurs, and to acquire knowledge about which measures have had an effect in preventing and countering radicalisation and violent extremism over the last years. The Commission delivered its report in March 2024. The findings and recommendations in the report were part of the basis for a white paper presented to the Norwegian Parliament in March 2025: Meld. St. 13 (2024–2025, Preventing Extremism – Safety, Trust, Cooperation and Democratic Resilience. One of the new measures in the white paper is a new National center for prevention of radicalisation and violent extremism. The center will be established in 2026. Internationally, preventing and countering violent extremism is a key priority for Norway. A comprehensive approach that addresses all forms of extremism is necessary. Good adult role models, youth and local communities play crucial roles in dissuading young people from violent extremism. In some fields women can have a particularly important role. Norway supports women’s leadership and gender perspectives in the implementation of measures preventing and countering violent extremism, as well as strengthening the capacity of youth groups and civil society networks. Furthermore, Norway supports the implementation of the UN Secretary General’s Plan of Action for Preventing Violent Extremism.
Norway remains convinced that effective counterterrorism and the promotion and protection of human rights and respect for the rule of law are mutually reinforcing. The Government of Norway will continue to encourage and support the Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force, the UN Counter Terrorism Centre, the Counter-Terrorism Committee, and the Counter-Terrorism Executive Directorate, the Committees pursuant to resolutions 1267 (1999) and 1540 (2004) and all other United Nations bodies involved in the international counter-terrorism efforts. Norway took part in the 2021 review of The United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
Norway has concluded agreements with the European Union and the Nordic countries on police co-operation and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Norway is also party to the European Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance and has bilateral agreements with Canada and Thailand. In addition, an agreement on police co-operation and crime prevention has been concluded between Norway and the USA.
In the field of extradition, Norway is party to the European Convention on Extradition, and concluded bilateral extradition treaties with the USA in 1977 and Australia in 1985. Between the Nordic countries, the Convention on the Nordic Arrest Warrant applies, and in relation to the European Union, the Agreement between EU, Iceland, and Norway on surrender procedure entered into force 1 November 2019.
In 2002, Norway concluded an agreement with the Nordic countries on health emergency preparedness and management, which would also be relevant in the event of a serious terrorist attack against one or more of the Nordic countries.
1.2 On 5 October 2001, Norway adopted a Provisional Ordinance with the necessary provisions for implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1373. As of the date of adoption, Norwegian domestic law satisfied the requirements of resolution 1373. At the same time, Norway implemented the provisions of the International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism of 9 December 1999, which it signed on 1 October 2001 and ratified on 15 July 2002.
Norwegian legislation has been reviewed to ensure that the requirements of resolution 1373 are adequately implemented.
3 The obligations to criminalize that follows from the international terrorism-related agreements to which Norway is a party, are mainly implemented through chapter 18 in the Norwegian general Civil Penal Code (the Penal Code), namely section 131 to 146. The provisions in section 131 to 146 include inter alia terrorist acts, terrorist conspiracy, terrorist threats, terrorist financing, inciting terrorist acts, recruiting and training for terrorist acts, providing and receiving training for terrorism, participation in a terrorist organization, travel for terrorist purposes, contribution to evasion of prosecution or an imposed penalty for terrorist acts, terrorist bombing, hijacking of aircraft or ship etc., disruption of the safe operation of aircraft og ship etc., acts causing maritime damage and aircraft accidents, discharge of toxic substances, illegal dealings with hazardous material, hostage-taking related to terrorism, attack on an internationally protected person, participation as a private citizen in military activity in an armed conflict abroad and recruitment to illegal military activity.
The maximum penalty for the most serious terrorist acts is 30 years of prison, which constitutes the longest prison term available in the Norwegian legislation.
In addition, chapter 16 section 101 to 110 in the Penal Code have provisions against genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
1.3 Norway has no internal security forces. Preventing and combating terrorist acts in Norway, which do not constitute armed attacks under the UN Charter article 51, is the responsibility of the Norwegian police. The Police Security Service (PST) has the responsibility for combating terrorism domestically in peacetime. PST is the national security service, the domestic intelligence service, and is empowered with police- and prosecution authority. The Norwegian Intelligence Service, which is a national civil-military service organised in the Armed Forces, deals with external terrorism threats.
In the event of a major terrorist attack being carried out or a highly credible threat thereof, the Norwegian Armed Forces may be called upon to assist the police according to the Act relating to the Police, section 27 a, and the applicable Royal Decree of 1 September 2017. Engagement of airborne terrorist threats is a responsibility of the Norwegian Armed Forces.
1.4 Substantial efforts have been made in order to prevent and combat terrorism.
Financing of terrorism In recent years, Norway has concluded a number of measures to further improve implementation of the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) recommendations, the internationally endorsed global standards on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation.
Pursuant to the Money Laundering Act, financial institutions, accountants, enterprises etc. are obliged to report suspicious transactions to the Norwegian Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). There is a regular and close co-operation in these cases between the FIU and PST. PST is the responsible agency for investigation and prosecution of terror financing. Norway’s current national strategy to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and the financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction was published in 2020. The last National Risk Assessment (NRA) on money laundering and terrorist financing was published in 2022, and a new version is now under development. Domestic co-operation There is a particular close relationship between the PST and the Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS).
4 Counter-terrorism contact group Norway has established a counter-terrorism contact group. The contact group is led by PST and comprises of both public and private sector representatives, who through a wide-ranging partnership seek to contribute to the suppression of terrorism.
European co-operation forums PST is the Norwegian representative at the European Security Co-operation Forum called the Club of Bern. PST also participates in the Counter Terrorist Group (CTG). CTG is a forum that was formed based on the Club of Bern. CTG focuses on Islamist terrorism. In addition to operational co-operation, CTG also prepares joint analyses and threat assessments.
Other forms of terrorism related co-operation PST works both bilaterally and multilaterally with the police and security authorities in a number of countries, and participates in several international organizations and committees, including the NATO special committee AC/46, Police Working Group on Terrorism (PWGT) and Interpol and Europol’s Symposium on the Suppression of Terrorism.
Schengen The National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) has a central role in Norway’s participation in the Schengen co-operation.
Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) The NIS collect information and analyse any threats with origin outside the realm and/or from foreign individuals against Norway or Norwegian interests. The NIS cooperates closely with agencies of other allied countries, and internally with the police/PST.
2. Stationing of armed forces on foreign territory
2.1 Norway is a signatory to the 1951 London agreement between the member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization regarding the Status of their Forces - NATO SOFA. Norway has ratified the agreement between the States Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty and other States participating in the Partnership for Peace regarding the Status of their Forces, signed in Brussels on 19 June 1995 - NATO PfP SOFA. Ad hoc agreements for other possible deployments are signed in each individual case in accordance with international law. Such agreements may be either bi- or multilateral and may cover both specified mission/activities for a set period of time or standing agreements for activities repeated on a regular basis.
3. Implementation of other international commitments related to the Code of Conduct
3.1 Norway supports the continued implementation of The Vienna document 2011 and the Treaty on Open Skies as confidence- and security-building measures agreed upon in the OSCE/Forum for Security Co-operation. Norway suspended the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe (CFE) 21. February 2024.
3.2 The Vienna document and the Treaty on Open Skies are currently not implemented fully by all state parties.
5 Section II: Intra-State elements 1. National planning and decision-making process
1.1 The military posture According to Article 25 of the Norwegian Constitution, the control of the armed forces is among the King’s prerogatives, in principle meaning that the Parliament (Stortinget) may not give directions as to how this authority shall be exercised. This power is in practice exercised by the Government, and within the Government by the Minister of Defence. However, since the introduction of the principle of parliamentarism in 1884 (implying that the Government is depending on the continuing support of the Parliament), the defence minister is constitutionally and politically responsible to the Parliament for all activity carried out by the Ministry, by the armed forces as a whole and by other subordinate departments. Furthermore, the Government needs the authorisation from the Parliament for any new laws regarding the armed forces, as well as for the Defence Budget.
The Ministry of Defence serves as the political secretariat of the Minister and is responsible for giving military advice to the Government, formulating new policy and providing overall management directives on a strategic level to the Chief of Defence. The Chief of Defence exercises full command over the armed forces, and the CHoD has the overall military strategic and operational responsibility, based on directives from the Ministry of Defence.
The Parliament adopts the State budget, which also includes the Defence budget. The Parliament also audits the State accounts, including the Defence expenditures. In accordance with the Constitution, the Parliament appoints five general auditors. The Office of the Auditor General examines the State accounts annually, and then present a report to the Parliament.
1.2 Defence expenditures (Paragraphs 13, 22): The annual adoption of the defence budget is based on a long-term planning process and an annual planning process of the use of national military capabilities.
2. Existing structures and processes 2.1 The defence minister is constitutionally and politically responsible to the Parliament for all activity carried out by the Ministry, by the armed forces as a whole and by other subordinate departments. This implies an obligation for the Minister to supervise the activities of the armed forces and the other subordinate departments, by exercising a superior control function towards these entities.
The Parliament’s democratic control is ensured i.a. through established procedures of different forms of questions and interpellations to the ministers in the Parliament. Thus, the Members of Parliament may pose concrete questions to each Minister – i.a. in the so-called “Question Hours”, which take place weekly in the Parliament. The Members of Parliament may also submit written questions to the Ministers.
The Norwegian Intelligence Service (NIS) is in general subject to political and democratic control along the same lines of command as the other agencies under the Ministry of Defence. The Minister of Defence has the constitutional and political responsibility for the intelligence service and is accountable to the Government and the Parliament.
In addition, the democratic control of the intelligence service (as well as the Surveillance and Security Services) is ensured by regular inspections of the service and the annual reporting by a
6 special committee established within the Parliament, namely The Norwegian Parliamentary Intelligence Oversight Committee (see below).
Police: The civilian control of the Norwegian police is ensured by the fact that the police are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Their activities are regulated by the Constitution and current legislation.
Norway has no paramilitary or internal security forces.
2.2 As mentioned above, the Norwegian Armed Forces are subject to the political and democratic control of the Parliament and the Government.
Several committees within the Parliament, including the “Parliamentary Intelligence Oversight Committee” and the “Standing Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs” have been established to ensure political and democratic control. These committees are subject to the instructions of the Parliament.
Furthermore, the Parliamentary Ombud is elected by the Parliament to safeguard the rights of individual citizens in their dealings with the public administration. The Ombud may look into cases ex officio or based on complaints from the citizens. The Ombud’s decisions are not legally binding. however he may give his reasoned opinion, and if necessary, criticize the entity in question. The Parliament elects the Ombud for a period of 4 years. Apart from general instructions from the Parliament, the Ombud operates independently. In addition to the Parliamentary Ombud, there is an Ombuds committee for the Armed Forces with whom soldiers and servicemen, regardless of ranks, may lodge their complaints regarding their rights of current and former personnel in the Armed Forces.
2.3 Military: The three branches of the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Army, the Navy and the Air Force, and the Home Guard for local defence, were established to defend the Norwegian territory and sovereignty. Norway is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and has made troop contributions to several NATO operations. Norway has also made troop contributions to UN peace operations and EU operations.
According to Article 25 of the Norwegian Constitution, the King is head of the Norwegian Armed Forces. In practice, this competence lies with the Norwegian Government. As described above under question 2 a), the Government is under the political control of the Parliament, and the Armed Forces are thus under parliamentary control.
The Parliament has the competence for allocating funds for all military activities each year. The Armed Forces report annually to the Parliament about military activity. This serves not only as a basis for allocating funds, but also functions as a means of control.
According to Articles 25 and 26 of the Norwegian Constitution, the Government’s legal competence is limited when deciding certain issues. These decisions require the Parliament’s consent to be valid.
Paramilitary/Security forces: Norway has no paramilitary or security forces.
7 3. Procedures related to different forces personnel
3.1 Military: Recruitment and call-up to the Norwegian Armed Forces is based on the principle of general military conscription and is governed by the Act of 8 December 2016 relating to conscription and service in the Norwegian Armed Forces1. Every Norwegian citizen is in principle a conscript from 1 January of the year of his or her 19th birthday until the end of the year of his or her 44th birthday. In times of tension or war, this duty to serve may, however, be extended to apply from the day a citizen reaches the age of 18 until the end of the year of his 55th birthday. Officers have a general duty to serve until they are 60 years old. Universal compulsory military service entered into force as of 1 January 2015, extending conscription to women on equal terms with men. Gender neutral conscription applies to women born in Norway from 1997 onwards.
Paramilitary/security forces: Norway has no paramilitary or security forces.
3.2 The Act of 8 December 2016 relating to conscription and service in the Norwegian Armed Forces regulates the compulsory military service in Norway. According to this Act, all conscripts have to undergo a general medical and physical examination to establish whether they should be assigned to combatant or non-combatant service.
Until July 2012, one could apply for civil service (“siviltjeneste”) as an alternative to military service. This alternative is no longer an option, and those who do not want to complete a regular military service must apply for an exemption from military service on reasons of conscience according to the Act of 8 December 2016 relating to conscription and service in the Norwegian Armed Forces section 35.
3.3 Norway has an ombudsman system protecting the rights of all Armed Forces personnel. The Parliamentary Ombud (“Sivilombudet”) – gives an opinion in all complaints related to administrative law and processes. In addition to the Parliamentary Ombud, there is an Ombuds committee for the Armed Forces with whom soldiers and servicemen, regardless of ranks, may lodge their complaints regarding their rights of current and former personnel in the Armed Forces. Decisions made by the Ombuds committee for the Armed Forces are issued as advice to the chain of command and is thus not legally binding. In most cases however, such advice results in a change to the decision and establishes a precedence for future decisions.
Norway has established an industrial tribunal where major labour unions may bring policy disputes connected to agreements between the unions and the Government. Disputes between individual employees and the Armed Forces on matters of employment may be brought before a civil court.
Infringements of agreements may be forwarded to the tribunal both informally and formally through the chain of command. Formal complaint boards where both military and civil experts are present exist in various areas. Infringements may, as mentioned above, also be brought before a civil court.
The rights of personnel serving their compulsory service are safeguarded by an organization established for this purpose. This organization is consulted by the military on issues regarding
1 As of April 2023, there is no English translation of this Act.
8 drafted personnel. The paragraph above concerning appeals through the chain of command also applies to drafted personnel and their representatives.
As for disciplinary decisions, military personnel have the right to appeal through the chain of command. Before the complaint is considered, advice from a judge advocate can be obtained, and is sometimes mandatory, depending on the disputed offence and disciplinary penalty issued. If the complaint is overruled, the case may be brought before an appeals board made up of military representatives and chaired by a civilian judge. If the decision is negative, the option remains of instituting proceedings against the government through the ordinary courts.
4. Implementation of other political norms, principles, decisions and the law of armed conflict
4.1 Norway attaches great importance to this area. All military personnel and civilians in the Armed Forces receive instructions on Norway’s obligations under the law of armed conflict. The instructions are included in all military education, particularly in the light of Norwegian participation in international operations. Emphasis is placed on the responsibility of all personnel in this area, and on the fact that this responsibility increases with rank. Conscripts/servicemen are given instruction on the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols and a basic introduction to other relevant areas of the law of armed conflict. NCOs and junior officers are given instruction in case studies and are required to carry out practical exercises.
The Norwegian National Red Cross Society has a broad cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. The Red Cross society participates regularly in military exercises in order to train the role of the ICRC in conflict and the armed forces procedures in important areas of the law of war. The Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces and the Norwegian National Red Cross Society regularly conduct surveys on conscripts,’ NCOs’ and officers’ knowledge on the law of armed conflict. The survey was scheduled last year. However, due to unforeseen problems, it is being conducted.
At the Military Academies and the Staff College, officers are provided with a general introduction to the international humanitarian aspects of armed conflicts. In addition, since 2004, students at the Norwegian Military Academies have the opportunity to study the law of armed conflict at the University of Oslo as a part of their programme. Conduct of international operations is also an important part of Staff College education.
All personnel in the Armed Forces are also encouraged to improve their general knowledge of the law of armed conflict by participation in international seminars and workshops. In 2013, the first Norwegian manual on the law of armed conflict was published. It was written by the Defence University College in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and the Norwegian National Red Cross Society. The intention behind the manual was to make the rules of armed conflict more accessible to the soldiers and officers, the primary addressees of these rules. Rather than simply inserting the different rules, the intention was to explain their content and give examples. The interpretation of the law of armed conflict as it comes to expression in the manual is binding on all members of the Norwegian Armed forces. In 2019, the Armed Forces published its manual on the law of armed forces also in English language.
4.2 The teaching mentioned above includes the dissemination of knowledge on national- and international criminal law.
4.3 Please see 4.1. Training and dissemination of the law of armed conflict
9 and Human Rights law are done in daily work, in exercises and as part of the pre-deployment training for international operations.
4.4 Outside the military area, servicemen and women have the same right as other citizens to membership in political parties, associations and organizations as well as to participate in all kinds of lawful political activities. Serving personnel may participate in lawful political demonstrations as long as these activities are not aimed against the Armed Forces. Military Personnel may not use military uniform on such occasions.
Within the military area, it is not allowed for personnel to organize party political groups, other political movements or pressure groups. Neither are organized signature campaigns, resolutions nor other actions with political content or purpose allowed.
In addition, the Parliament has determined that officers with the rank of brigadier and above shall be appointed by the Government (Royal Decree). These officers have a very strong employment protection, which balances the governmental power of influence on the military leadership. Norway is a constitutional monarchy, where the King is the highest ranking officer as well as politically neutral. The respect for Government and Parliament is therefore deeply rooted within the armed forces.
4.5 Norway places great importance in making sure that its defence policy and doctrine are consistent with international law. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence is responsible for ensuring that our defence policy complies with international law. The Ministry of Defence Implementing Directive for the Long-Term Plan 2021 – 2024, task the Defence Sector to ensure an appropriate implementation of the Government Long Term Plan for the same period, to be found in Prop. 14 S (2020–2021) and the Parliament Resolution to Innst. 87 S (2020–2021). The Ministry of Defence task to the Defence Sector include:
- to educate the armed forces in the law of armed conflict, - to apply the Chief of Defence Manual in Law of Armed Conflict from 2013 in education, and when planning and conducting military operations, - to perform legal review of weapons, means or methods of warfare according to Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 (API) article 36, - ensure access to competent law of armed conflict legal advisors, for commanders at all relevant levels in the chain of command according to API article 82.
4.6 The Norwegian Ministry of Defence has in recent years put particular emphasis on attitudes, ethical standards and the responsibilities of civil and military leadership in these fields. A specific programme for the entire Norwegian defence sector has been implemented. In addition, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence in 2012 established a Centre for Integrity in the defence sector directly under the ministry, in order to combat risks of corruption and promote integrity and good governance. The centre works actively as a resource and competence organization at the national level, at the same time as it has assumed a leading role in NATO’s Building Integrity Programme.
10 Section III: Public access and contact information 1. Public access
1.1 The provisions of the Code of Conduct are not communicated to the public directly, however the actual national response is an open document that can be made available to those showing an interest. The same applies to responses of other states; these are not classified in any way.
1.3 Norway has a Freedom of Information Act, which gives the public wide access to information concerning central and local government administration, including the Armed Forces- and Code of Conduct-related subjects. The Ministry of Defence attaches great importance to providing information to the public. Both the Ministry of Defence as well as the Defence Staff include Press and Information Officers, who facilitates sharing of information to the public on the activities of the Armed Forces. Regional and local branches of the Press and Information Office are involved in public information related to regional and local exercises and other activities. Important decisions and events are covered by press releases and press conferences. According to the Freedom of Information Act, the public is, with few exceptions, entitled to information.
The public can also obtain information on the Armed Forces in the following ways: - By attending relevant debates in the Parliament, - Through the Norwegian Armed Forces website, the public can access links to other Norwegian military websites, - Through the mass media, - At the Armed Forces Media Centre - Through the Press and Information service in the Ministry of Defence
2. Contact information
Point of contact:
Norwegian Royal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Section for Security Policy and North America E-mail : Seksjon.for.sikkerhetspolitikk.og.Nord-Amerika@mfa.no In accordance with interpretative statements attached to FSC.DEC/2/09 (1 April 2009) and FSC.DEC/5/11 (13 July 2011)
11 Section IV: Voluntary Information Exchange on the Implementation of UNSCR 1325 “Women, Peace and Security” in the Norwegian Armed Forces Background A number of measures are being undertaken to implement UNSCR 1325 on women, peace and security in the Norwegian armed forces. In general terms, this amounts to applying a gender perspective in operational planning, mandates, pre-deployment training, education, as well as during operations and in the evaluation process. Norway launched its fifth national action plan on WPS covering the years 2023-2030 which builds on experience from previous action plans. Earlier thematic priorities in areas where Norway is in a particularly good position to promote the women, peace and security agenda internationally are retained in this plan, but it also reflects the growing importance of national implementation of the women, peace, and security agenda in the field of civil protection and security.
In 2024 the Norwegian armed forces issued its own action plan for implementing the national action plan on WPS (2023 – 2030). «Action Plan for Gender in Military Operations» defines goals and measures on how to integrate gender perspectives in operations, exercises, education and activities. Since its implementation in 2024, several measures are in place, but there is still work to be done when it comes to achieving a more comprehensive system for integrating gender in all aspects of our education, training, activities and operations.
The Norwegian Defence University College established in a joint venture with its Nordic colleagues, the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations, located in Sweden. Furthermore, Gender has been developed as an academic discipline, and a manual produced on “Gender in the Armed Forces - From theory to practice”. Application of Gender in operations planning has been introduced as an integrated part of the education on operational planning, execution, and evaluation at the Norwegian Defence University.
A central part of the implementation of UNSCR 1325 is achieving a higher number of female military personnel in the armed forces. A better gender balance in Norwegian contingents in international operations is considered to constitute a goal in itself. Equal representation is assessed to provide the basis for a higher performance.
Norway is contributing to international competence- and capacity-building in this field, with particular focus on the UN, NATO and the African Union (AU). This entails close dialogue and cooperation with countries that contribute troops and police to UN peace operations. Norway will emphasize the gender perspective in our contributions to international operations and in our support for training other countries’ security forces. Special priority will be given to the participation of women and an integrated gender perspective in our capacity-building efforts in connection with AU operations.
In 2010, Norway strongly supported NATO`s adoption of the Alliance’s first action plan for the implementation of UNSCR 1325. The plan states that the resolution will be implemented in all NATO’s operations. A revised policy for the implementation on UNSCR 1325 was presented in 2018.
The participation of women is important in building up a security and justice sector that meets the whole population’s needs. Norway will promote measures to ensure that women have real, non- discriminatory access to the legal system, and will invest in protection and prevention strategies. Norway will also support initiatives to increase the proportion of women in the security and justice sector in post-conflict situations and in fragile states. In addition, we aim to increase the involvement of Norwegian personnel with gender expertise in post-conflict areas, to assist in the training of defence personnel, prison authorities and other authorities. Norway will support
12 training programs and institutions that promote gender equality and security sector reform in the South.
Participation Women in the Norwegian Armed Forces have a long history of service. In 1985, the Norwegian Parliament (Stortinget) decided that the Equal Opportunities Act should also apply to the military. Women were allowed to serve in all combat functions, provided that the physical and psychological requirements were met. Today women are eligible for duty in all branches and services, including all combat units. As a continuation of this, Norwegian female soldiers are also eligible for deployment in international operations. The single greatest measure for increasing female participation in the armed forces is unarguably the introduction of universal conscription in 2015. By increasing the base of female recruits and soldiers, numbers have since started increasing also on higher rank level. Although equal opportunities have been in place for some time, the increase of numbers of female personnel creates a culture also of equal representation. .
Women are represented in all military services. Today, female soldiers sign up for educational programmes with previously low female participation (e.g. engineer and technical education). A three-year pilot project with an all-female Special Forces ranger platoon was extended by two more years in 2018.
Since 1984, the Norwegian Armed Forces has had different recruitment and retention initiatives in order to increase the number of female officers in the organization. Over the past years, the retention initiatives have been based on results from findings in various research programs.
The Ministry of the Defence and the Armed Forces has initiated and financed several research programmes within personnel and military sociology in general and within gender and diversity in particular. Projects on female recruitment have also focused on the effect of physical requirements on female recruitment to the military. One research project launched in 2016 involved monitoring and assessing regimens for physical strain and restitution for both male and female soldiers.
Protection Planning of international operations should integrate the gender perspective. Consequences for the whole of the population should be accordingly analysed.
Prevention The Norwegian Armed Forces is in a transition, from being overwhelmingly male dominated, to becoming a diverse organization reflecting the society in general. Strategic documents emphasise the requirement of creating a culture of mutual respect and diversity. “For modern Armed Forces, diversity is a value in its own right. Ethnicity, religion, age, gender and sexual orientation have absolutely no bearing on human dignity. Trust and respect depend on an individual’s loyalty to his or her fellow soldiers, unit and assigned tasks. The Armed Forces are to reflect the perspectives and values of both men and women.” Armed Forces personnel is expected to familiarise themselves with these values and standards, and to act accordingly. Strategic and local action plans for attitude, ethics and leadership have been developed. Staff in the Armed Forces is expected to attend on-line training on work ethics, including various forms of harassment. The long-term defence plan (2025-2036) issued in 2024 reconfirms these goals and states that “To achieve the goals of strengthened personnel, the Defence sector must be equal, diverse and inclusive. This means active, targeted and systematic work to create more equality and diversity, and to prevent discrimination.”
13 Cooperation and Lessons Learned The Norwegian Center on Military Experience, which used to be a part of the Norwegian Defence University College (NDUC), arranged a seminar with past gender advisers in order to draw on their experiences. Public summaries of findings and observations was produced and disseminated subsequent to the seminar. The Norwegian Center on Military Experience is today a part of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters (NJHQ), and they conduct quarterly seminars/meetings where gender is one of several topics.
The Norwegian Armed Forces have gained valuable experience in Afghanistan through previous employment of the Gender perspective trough dedicated advisors and female engagement teams. Through mentoring and advising the CRU special police, female officers and the gender perspective have been introduced in Afghan operations planning and execution. Norway has also for some years staffed the gender advisor position at ISAF headquarters.
An overall lesson learned is the importance of senior leadership involvement.
The Nordic Cooperation NORDEFCO Norway regularly sends military personnel as staff, instructors and for training at the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations (NCGM) in Sweden. Norway has been gradually building a pool of subject-matter experts since 2006. The cooperation with NCGM has raised general awareness and knowledge of gender as part of operations is spreading.
Education and training Gender-related competencies are developed both as part of the military education system in the military academies and the Defence University College (Higher education on Master´s degree level for officers), as well as during pre-deployment training. Briefings and gender-related scenarios are employed during exercises. An evaluation conducted by the Defence University College has presented methodological limitations in the integration of the gender perspective in operations planning.
National Education and Training Related to Gender or UNSCR 1325 and Related Resolutions.
Nr Training/ Short Description/ Primary Training Phase Education Main Topics of the Audience (When was the Training/ Provided Training/Education (Personnel who received Education Provided) Provided the Training/ Education)
1 Education National and Bachelor’s and master’s The first part of the international politics, degrees students on bachelor’s degree on the with focus on gender in Norwegian Defence higher education on international politics University College Master´s degree level for officers
2 Education Strategic planning and Bachelor’s and master’s The first part of the control in the Defence degrees students on bachelor’s degree on the sector Norwegian Defence higher education on University College Master´s degree level for officers
3 Education Military operations Bachelor’s and master’s The first part of the degrees students on bachelor’s degree on the higher education on
14 Norwegian Defence Master´s degree level for University College officers
4 Education Part of Curriculums Officer candidates Officer candidate school
5 Education Part of Curriculums Officer candidates Norwegian Military Academy
The way forward The efforts to implement UNSCR 1325 in the Norwegian armed forces has been – and will continue to be - an ongoing process in achieving improvements regarding these topics. The Norwegian national action plan for WPS has directed the Ministry of Defence and the defence sector - to specify and document their obligations through a separate action plan. In March 2024, the Norwegian Defence sector finished their process developing an action plan for WPS which operationalizes the sector's obligations both nationally and in reference to Norwegian forces’ participation in international operations. The Norwegian armed forces action plan on WPS, «Action Plan for Gender in Military Operations», will be instrumental in forming a solid operationalized framework, establishing binding responsibility and continuity for the defence sector - in all aspects of women, peace, and security.
15 Section V: Voluntary Information Exchange on Issues Pertaining to Children and Armed Conflict A. International legal framework and commitments
YES NO Reservations/ Interpretative Statements
Convention on the Rights of the Child X
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the X sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the rights of the child on the X involvement of children in armed conflict
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the rights of the child on a X communication procedure
ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour X
Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and X
Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction X
Safe Schools Declaration X
Paris Principles and Guidelines on Children Associated with Armed X Forces or Armed Groups
Vancouver Principles on Peacekeeping and the Prevention of the X
Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers X
Political Declaration on EWIPA (Explosive Weapons in Populated X Areas)
B. National measures to end and prevent CAAC violations
1. Lower age limit: 18 years.
16 2. N/A.
3. The Norwegian Manual on the Law of Armed Conflict.
4. N/A
5. The protection of children is included in military planning and other operational considerations in line with the principles regulating the Law of Armed Conflict. There are currently no specific child protection procedures that are in place when it comes to the enactment of military operations. 6. The Safe School declaration is implemented in the Norwegian Manual on the Law of Armed Conflict. The manual clarifies Norwegian positions regarding the law of armed conflict, and furthermore has the function as Chief of Defence’s directive to the armed forces.
C. Education and training activities for troops on CAAC issues
1. Norwegian armed forces receive training on the contents of the Law of Armed Conflict. The Norwegian Manual on the Law of Armed Conflict provides the boundaries in which our armed forces have to act within, with referral to relevant legislation. Legislation of note in this regard is national legislation, the Geneva Conventions with Additional Protocols, European Convention on Human Rights, and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child with Additional Protocols.
If relevant, please also indicate if: Not Relevant
Specific matters related to children and armed conflict/child protection are included in the basic education of armed forces
Specialised in-service and/or pre-deployment trainings on children and armed conflict/child protection are available
Dedicated modules on children and armed conflict/child protection are included in the pre[1]deployment training for deployment of national contingents or individuals to international peacekeeping missions and military deployments.
First aid courses and other medical trainings of armed forces to prevent and respond to child casualties are available
Adequate mental health support is provided pre, during and post-deployment for military encountering children during military operations
17 2. Military training involving the use of firearms for children under the age of 18 years is not permitted. Norway does have a voluntary organisation for youth between the age of 16 and 21 years of age, who are trained in the use of firearms. The organisation is named Heimevernsungdom (Youth Home Guard), and its purpose is to conduct military field sports, inform about the Norwegian Armed Forces, as well as motivate youth to apply for later enrolment. The organisations members are not trained for combat, and they are not part of the forces mobilised in the event of crisis or war.
D. International partnerships
1. N/A 2. Norway supports capacity-building initiatives on the subject under initiatives of the United Nations.
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