Democracy and Norwegian Values
While addressing the permanent Council of the OSCE the Norwegian OSCE ambassador Guttorm Vik stated as follows:
“I am pleased to report that there is a virtually complete national consensus in Norway, clearly and repeatedly expressed by the Prime Minister and endorsed by all the other political leaders, that this shameful act of terrorism will not have the desired effect of changing our open and democratic society. On the contrary, we will have more democracy and more transparency and contact between the people and our elected leaders.”, (full statement).
He also referred to King Harald V; “I maintain that freedom is stronger than fear. I maintain my belief in an open Norwegian democracy and society. I maintain my belief in our possibility to live freely and safely in our own country.” On a similar note the Norwegian Prime Minister stated as follows: “We are a small country, but a proud people. We are still shocked by what has happened, but we will never give up our values. Our response is more democracy, more openness, and more humanity. But never naivety.”, (address by Prime Minister).
Support and Compassion
In the time after the attacks Norway has received massive international support from all around the world. In order to look at some pictures from Norwegian embassies around the world please follow this link. Within the OSCE 50 out of 56 participating states expressed their condolences, ambassador Vik expressed his thanks by stating:
“Our Prime Minister has not failed to convey to the Norwegian people the overwhelming wave of sympathy and support expressed by his colleagues, not least in other OSCE participating States. It is no exaggeration to say that all these messages, including massive and spontaneous expressions of popular support, have given us much comfort and consolation in this situation of national mourning.”, (full statement).
The Tragic Events in Norway and the OSCE
Norway has been offered assistance from a various number of OSCE participating States in pursuing the investigation into the attacks. The Permanent Delegation of Norway to the OSCE appreciates the offers and responded in the following manner:
“The OSCE is also an important forum for cooperation in anti-terrorism activities. We have received numerous offers of assistance and cooperation, all highly appreciated, and we have gratefully accepted some offers of useful technical support. But the apparently isolated character of this atrocious act, without obvious operational links to any international networks, has limited the scope and the need for cooperation with other anti-terrorist authorities. We do look forward, however, to sharing experience and analysis of the whole background for this tragic event, including its possible relationship with public discourse and how to counterbalance extremist tendencies without limiting the freedom of expression, not least in the new media.”, (full statement).
The Work of the OSCE
The attacks in Norway has been a reminder that no country is immune to terrorist attacks, be it from within the society or external attacks. It is too early to give a conclusion or a complete overview of the background for and the attacks themselves of the 22nd of July in Oslo. The following information is thus not directly linked to the attacks in Norway; it is rather information on the OSCE’s work against terrorism. Within the OSCE the fight against terrorism is a prominent activity, and it has a special “Action against Terrorism Unit” (ATU), where international cooperation is a key component.
Within the OSCE one of the themes discussed is the need of stability within a country versus human rights. In many cases freedom of speech and the right to free assembly are violated. There has been and still are cases where governments justify their repressive actions, sometimes violating fundamental rights, by referring to the need of fighting extremism and terrorism. In this regard the ATU states the following:
“OSCE commitments firmly reiterate that counter-terrorism measures are to be conducted in accordance with international law, in particular international human rights law, refugee law and humanitarian law.”
Ambassador Vik, referring to the attacks in Norway said:
“There is in such situations often a tendency to try to curb extremism and violence by more control, including control of opinions expressed. But such methods are likely to fuel more extremism and violence, not less.”, (full statement).