Race and Policing in Norway: Examining the Experiences of Black Individuals

Black Experiences in Norway: Policing and Racial Bias

Norway’s history is intertwined with Viking traditions, influenced by unions with Denmark and Sweden. This historical foundation has contributed to developing a multicultural society. 

The Diaspora or Black population in Norway, encompassing anll individuals of African descent, is about 2.6% of the overall population, amounting to roughly 145,000 black Norwegians.

A significant 2020 ruling by the Norwegian Equality and Anti-Discrimination Tribunal underscored the need for greater awareness and accountability regarding potential racial bias within policing. 

In this case, the Tribunal found that an individual experienced discrimination based on ethnicity after enduring over ten police interactions within a mere five-year period. Though not enforced, this ruling attempts to ensure equality for all members of Norwegian society.

Who is Norway?

Norway's history blends the Viking past, periods of union with other nations, and, ultimately, hard-won independence. 

Known for its Viking past, Norway gradually transitioned to Christianity in the late 10th century. For over four centuries, Norway was united with Denmark. In the 19th century, a growing sense of nationalism led to independence from Sweden in 1905. 

Norway sought neutrality in both World Wars but was occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, Norway joined NATO and experienced economic growth due to oil and gas discoveries. Oslo is the capital of Norway.

Emigration History of Norway

Historically, Norway was a source of emigration, with hundreds of thousands leaving the country in the 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily seeking work in the United States. 

However, by the late 20th century, Norway became a destination for immigrants, initially from neighboring Nordic countries. Guest worker programs in the 1960s brought workers from countries like Pakistan, Morocco, Yugoslavia, and Turkey. 

While initially intended to be temporary, many of these workers settled in Norway. Over time, refugee resettlement and family reunification became the primary pathways for immigration. 

J Mobagi from Kenya and fellow students

How Did Black People Get to Norway?

Norway has experienced immigration from various parts of the world, including Africa, due to factors like seeking asylum, work opportunities, and family reunification. 

In the past, Norway had guest worker programs that brought workers from African countries. Also, Norway has a long tradition of accepting refugees, including those from African countries facing conflict or persecution.

Being African and African Descent in Norway

According to 2022 data, the Black population in Norway, which includes Africans and people with African roots, makes up around 2.6% of the country's population, or about 145,000 individuals. 

Asylum seekers, immigrants, and their children constitute a significant portion of the Black population in Norway. Estimates suggest that they comprise approximately 20.8% of the Black population. Approximately 30,090 individuals.

However, it's important to note that the Norwegian government does not collect data based on race or ethnicity but on citizenship. This means the statistics only include African citizens who immigrated to Norway and their Norwegian-born children. The statistics do not account for third-generation Africans in Norway or those of mixed African and Norwegian descent.

Consequently, many people of African descent settled in Norway during the 1980s and 1990s; the official statistics may underestimate the number of people with African heritage living in the country. Also, Norwegian criminal statistics and investigations into police affairs do not typically include data on race or ethnicity; in general, criminal statistics only list nationality.

Blacks and the Law in Norway

Teachers called the police because they believed Child Q, a 15-year-old girl, was smuggling weed into the school. During the incident, the girl was taken to the school's medical room and strip-searched by two female Met police officers while teachers remained outside. Her parents were not contacted. Her intimate body parts were exposed, and she was made to take off her sanitary towel, according to the review. No drugs were found. 

The case of Child Q, strip-searched at school by police officers, sparked widespread outrage. This incident raised serious concerns about the misuse of police powers. There are concerns that racial bias may have played a role in the decision to strip-search the child. The incident has led to calls for significant reforms to police procedures regarding child strip searches, including stricter guidelines, increased oversight, and improved training for officers.

Race and Policing in Norway

Examining the relationship between race and the legal system in Norway is essential. Understanding the experiences of Black individuals in this context highlights systemic inequalities and calls for reforms to ensure justice and equality for everyone.

Norway has established legal frameworks to combat discrimination; however, there are ongoing concerns about the potential for racial bias in police practices, especially in areas such as stop-and-search procedures. The broad discretion given to officers in certain situations increases the risk of discriminatory actions.

The Norwegian Center of Antiracism states that there are no specific laws or regulations addressing racism or discriminatory behavior by police forces. However, the Police Code includes a requirement for impartiality in paragraph six regarding conduct. This paragraph also addresses the police use of force, but it is broad and leaves much discretion to the individual officer.

Nigerian-Norwegian Police Contact Goes Wrong

Eugene Obiora, a Nigerian-born Norwegian citizen, died in police custody in Trondheim, Norway, in 2006. When a confrontation occurred, he was at a social services office to dispute a welfare denial. Police were called, and during the arrest, Obiora was restrained. He subsequently lost consciousness and died despite resuscitation efforts.

The case sparked controversy and public outcry. Investigations were conducted, but no charges were brought against the officers involved due to insufficient evidence. This outcome, along with the fact that one of the officers had been involved in a similar incident involving another person of African descent, raised concerns about potential racial bias and the use of excessive force by police.