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Appendix 3 
Goal hierarchy for Norway’s efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief

This goal hierarchy for the Foreign Service’s efforts relating to freedom of religion or belief has been drawn up to facilitate results-based management activities across a complex area that has expanded significantly. The goal hierarchy is to be used as a tool for assessing missions’ new efforts, initiatives and projects, with the aim of improving the strategic management of this portfolio. An overall results framework for the goal hierarchy will not be developed at present; instead, the results frameworks for the individual agreements will form the basis for this work.

Impact

Individuals and groups can exercise their freedom of religion or belief, and are not discriminated against on this basis

Outcome I: Individuals and groups have legal protection and equal access to resources and services so that, in line with Agenda 2030, no one is left behind due to their religion or belief.

Outputs:

  • Individuals and groups that belong to religious minorities have equal access to basic services, especially regarding health and education.
  • Individuals and groups that belong to religious minorities have equal rights to choose their occupation, receive fair remuneration and equal pay for equal work, have a decent standard of living and engage in business activities.
  • Individuals and groups that belong to religious minorities have access to protection against harassment, violence and threats, and access to legal aid.
Outcome II: Civil society organisations can exercise and promote freedom of religion or belief.

Outputs:

  • Human rights defenders and the free media can document and communicate violations of freedom of religion or belief, other violations of the rights of religious minorities, and any patterns to be discerned in such violations.
  • Religious leaders and actors, young people and other groups and individuals have knowledge and awareness about the right to freedom of religion or belief.
  • Civil society organisations can advocate for the inclusion of freedom of religion or belief and the rights of religious minorities in legislation and policy, and for the incorporation of considerations relating to the right to freedom of religion or belief in the implementation of legislation and policy.
  • Civil society organisations can operate freely and have access to inclusive arenas for exchange of experience, dialogue and cooperation.
Outcome III: National authorities and private actors support freedom of religion or belief in legislation and in practice.

Outputs:

  • National legislation protects and promotes freedom of religion or belief and the rights of religious minorities (in accordance with international law).
  • National and local authorities and politicians speak out in support of freedom of religion or belief, and design, incorporate into law and implement policies in a manner that ensures respect for the right to freedom of religion or belief.
  • National and local authorities ensure that parties responsible for violations of the rights of religious minorities are held legally liable.
  • The education system is based on respect for freedom of religion or belief and includes the right to freedom of religion or belief and religious diversity in curricula, teacher training and lessons.
  • Public institutions and private businesses do not discriminate against individuals or groups based on their religion or belief, and implement remedial measures in areas where this occurs.
Outcome IV: International actors challenge national actors and hold them accountable in issues relating to freedom of religion or belief and the rights of religious minorities.

Outputs:

  • The UN and other international and regional multilateral actors promote freedom of religion or belief in their work.
  • Norway promotes freedom of religion or belief in its political dialogues and in relevant bilateral contexts.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides the basis for the Foreign Service’s support for measures that promote freedom of religion or belief:

‘Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.’

This article also covers the right to have no religion or belief. Restrictions in relation to this human right often affect minorities. These restrictions not only prevent people from manifesting their religion or belief, but also affect them politically, socially and economically, and make them very vulnerable. Efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief will therefore be targeted towards the needs of the weakest groups and individuals in society. They may also involve measures that confront discriminatory attitudes and practices in the mainstream population. When targeted towards the education system, the labour market, various institutions, the media and the digital space, measures of this type will benefit everyone, both the majority and the minority groups, and women and men alike.

It is important to be aware that freedom of religion or belief may not be exercised in a way that restricts individuals’ freedoms in other areas. This applies in particular in cases where vulnerability due to religion or belief is combined with vulnerability due to other factors, for example gender, age, sexual orientation, etc. It is important to mainstream a gender perspective in this work. The Ministry expects these considerations to be taken into account in all programmes and projects that are granted funding.

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