Goal 2: All individuals have the right and opportunity to lead their lives free from violence and harmful practices

Targets:

1. No individual is subjected to any form of sexual and gender-based violence.
2. No individual is subjected to child and forced marriage.
3. No individual is subjected to female genital mutilation.

Norway’s distinctive contribution lies in our national policy to combat domestic violence and the application of our experiences in international engagement. An example is the forthcoming national plan to escalate efforts against violence and abuse directed at children and domestic violence. In this initiative Norway is dedicated to advancing and upholding to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention) across relevant international contexts.

Through continued financial and political support, including global funds targeting the eradication of female genital mutilation and child marriage, Norway has cultivated strong relationships with key partners such as multilateral and civil society organisations. Combating gender-based violence is also a priority for the EEA and Norway grants. Norway has been a leader in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence in its humanitarian efforts, as well as in the women, peace and security agenda. The Action Plan must be viewed in the context of Norway’s humanitarian strategy.34 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ guidelines for freedom of religion and belief is also relevant in this work.

We will prioritise:

• Contributing to comprehensive and co-ordinated initiatives to combat harmful practices, with the aim of preventing violence and protecting and aiding survivors.
• Preventing sexual and gender-based violence by supporting women’s movements and other stakeholders working to change legislation and combat impunity.
• Strengthening targeted and integrated work with boys and men to challenge negative masculine gender norms that contribute to the acceptance of violence and harmful practices. This includes engaging in dialogue and collaboration with women’s movements.
• Promoting work involving women, men, girls, boys and LGBT+ persons as well as other influencers to challenge harmful gender norms.
• Mapping and combatting the digital dimension of all forms of violence, which disproportionately affect women, LGBT+ persons, children and young people. Particular emphasis is placed on women and queer people who express themselves in the public sphere through digital and social media.
• Engaging in dialogue and collaboration with traditional and religious leaders and faith-based organisations to influence changes in norms on sexual and gender-based violence, conversion therapy, child marriage and female genital mutilation.
• Strengthening the interaction between groups working for freedom of religion and belief and those working locally, nationally and internationally for gender equality and diversity in gender and sexuality.
• Sustaining efforts to prevent and combat sexual and gender-based violence in armed conflict and during humanitarian crises in peacetime. The needs and priorities of survivors shall be at the centre of the response.
• Integrating information and knowledge about harmful practices in comprehensive sexuality education both in and out-of-school.
• Addressing the vulnerabilities of certain groups, such as LGBT+ persons, persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

Sustainable Development Goals we are contributing to:

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