Preface to report on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Norway has a number of assets, the best known of which are probably our natural resources. But we also have another asset: the Nordic model.

This economic and social model is based on extensive, universal welfare services, close cooperation between government and the social partners, and a competitive private sector. The Nordic countries’ high standard of welfare, high productivity, economic growth and low unemployment are the result of close cooperation between an active public sector and the private sector, organisations and individual citizens. 

Norway scores high in international comparisons of the way different societies are organised. Therefore, there may be an interest in an account of how the Norwegian Government’s policies safeguard economic, social and cultural rights through a combination of high innovative capacity, competitiveness, a strong public sector and corporate social responsibility. 

Norway’s fifth periodic report to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) reflects the importance we attach to these human rights.  

Norway considers all human rights to be universal, indivisible and mutually reinforcing. We have incorporated both the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights into our national legislation. The provisions of both Covenants many be invoked directly in national courts and are to take precedence over any other provisions of national legislation that may conflict them.

In the preparation of the report, the Government has established a website, conducted open meetings and shown transparency in order to facilitate the active participation of civil society actors throughout the process. This reflects the important role played by civil society actors – including the social partners – in the fulfilment of economic, social and cultural rights.