Article 1

3. In its concluding observations of November 1999 on Norway’s fourth periodic report, the Human Rights Committee stated that it expected Norway to report on the Sami people’s right to self-determination under Article 1 of the Covenant, including paragraph 2 of that article ((CCPR/C/79/Add.112) paragraph 17).
4. Article 110 a of the Norwegian Constitution reads:
5. • It is the responsibility of the authorities of the State to create conditions enabling the Sami people to preserve and develop its language, culture and way of life.

In 2002 the Norwegian Government presented a white paper to the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) on its policy towards the Sami people (Report No 33 (2001-2002) to the Storting). The white paper discusses how to apply the concept of self-determination to the Sami people, and the Government is currently undertaking consultations with the Sameting (the Sami Parliament) with a view to reaching a common understanding on this issue. One of the topics that should be discussed is the establishment of procedures on how to consult the Sameting or, where appropriate, Sami interests in dealing with Sami issues. The goal of the process is to establish and clarify the roles and obligations of the Government and the Sameting in dealing with issues that directly affect the Sami population and to strengthen the partnership to the benefit of the Sami culture and the Sami society. A working group has been established to prepare a proposal on how to involve the Sameting and to strengthen its influence whenever consideration is given to legislative or administrative measures that may affect the Sami population in Norway.

5. Information on the status of the Sami people is provided under the discussion of Article 27.