New Action Plan to Combat Racism and Discrimination Against Muslims

‘No one should be afraid to show who they are and what they believe in. Hostility towards Muslims creates unrest and fear in our society. We all have a responsibility to combat this, at all levels and in all sectors’, said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The action plan is part of the government's effort to strengthen and renew the fight against racism, harassment, and discrimination based on ethnicity and religion.

‘A strong democracy is the cornerstone of our society. It is strong when everyone, regardless of ethnic or religious background, is part of our community. Therefore, we must combat racism and discrimination against Muslims’, said Støre.

‘The action plan we are launching today shows ambition, priority, direction, and provides an overview of what the authorities – in collaboration with other actors – can and must do to reduce racism and discrimination against Muslims. That is the purpose’, said Støre.

22 percent of the Norwegian population hold hostile attitudes towards Muslims and Islam. Approximately 31 percent have marked prejudices against Muslims. This is demonstrated by a survey from The Norwegian Center for Holocaust and Minority Studies from 2024. Additionally, a survey from Statistics Norway shows that over half of Muslims in Norway have experienced discrimination in the past year.

‘Being subjected to hostility and prejudice is very painful and can lead to more polarization. The government will facilitate more and better dialogue between different groups in society, thereby helping to reduce prejudices and hostility’, said Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery.

The government is now launching several measures to strengthen knowledge and competence about racism and discrimination.

Three Specific Focus Areas

This plan is the second action plan aimed at racism and discrimination against Muslims in Norway. The 30 measures in the action plan are divided into three focus areas:

• Dialogue and a well-functioning democracy
• Knowledge and competence
• Safety and security

Muslim Pathfinders Among the Measures

One of the measures in the action plan is to establish a Muslim programme called Muslim Pathfinders. This is a guide scheme thate will be linked to an educational or research institution. This measure was also recommended by the Extremism Commission.

‘The programme will reflect the diversity of the Muslim population in Norway and will be developed in dialogue with a wide range of Muslim faith communities and other relevant actors. The target group is youth, and the purpose of the programme is to spread knowledge about Muslims in Norway and to counteract stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination’, said Jaffery.

The government will also gather more knowledge about the population's attitudes towards Muslims and Jews, about Muslims' living conditions and quality of life, Muslims' encounters with the municipalities, and racism in sports.

In addition, the work of Dembra (Democratic Preparedness Against Racism and Anti-Semitism) against racism and discrimination of Muslims will be strengthened. The government also propose to increase funding for grant schemes against racism, discrimination, and hate speech.

Combined Efforts Against Racism and Discrimination

The government has recently presented a new action plan against anti-Semitism, and at the beginning of 2025, an action plan against harassment and discrimination of the Sami people will be presented. The three action plans will also be seen in conjunction with the action plan against racism and discrimination, which lasts until 2027. Together, these action plans constitute the government's renewed and strengthened efforts against racism and discrimination.

This action plan against racism and discrimination of Muslims is dynamic, and it will be possible to add new measures if needed. The plan will last until 2030.

(Link to the action plan against anti-Muslim sentiment 2025-2030)