New life to international efforts in combatting religious intolerance

News story | Date: 13/01/2026 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing an expert consultation in Oslo to strengthen international cooperation in combatting religious intolerance, from January 13-14.

In an increasingly polarizing debate climate, there is a need to strengthen international alliances for a more effective resistance against hate based on religion or belief. In Europe we have also seen increasing polarization because of religion. It is therefore important that European countries work together with other countries against these challenges and take clear distance from hate speech against certain groups in society, while also important principles like freedom of expression are safeguarded.

With increased immigration, the number of faith-based groups and minorities has grown in Norway. In a more diverse society with different religions or beliefs, freedom of religion or belief needs more strategic safeguarding. It is also important to understand how religion or belief can lead to discrimination and conflict. Better knowledge about these topics can allow minority groups to feel more included and consequently participate more actively in society. This will again strengthen democratic resilience.

From January 13-14, 60 experts from over 20 countries will gather to discuss how international cooperation can be strengthened in efforts to combat religious intolerance. Participants represent multiple stakeholder groups in society, including national human rights institutions (NHRIs), civil society, faith-based communities, and academia, in addition to diplomats and representatives from municipal, parliament, and government levels.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is co-organizing the Oslo Consultation together with the Center for Human Rights at Essex University and the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights at the University of Oslo.

Highlights from the Oslo Consultation will be shared in a public event on Wednesday, January 14, from 14:00-16:00, at the University of Oslo, Domus Academica (Gamle Festsal). The public event is open for the public and the press. See more information and link for registration at: From Promise to Practice: Strengthening Implementation of Resolution 16/18 - Norwegian Centre for Human Rights.

Press contact: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 23 95 00 02.