A recent study conducted by the Norwegian Statistics Bureau reported that Norway rated 3rd in Europe for highest net immigration when compared with the country’s existing population. This influx of immigrants has been problematic for many regions in Norway who find themselves unprepared to deal with the complexities of integrating culturally diverse refugees into what has traditionally been a homogeneous system.
Municipalities have responded to these difficulties by developing an elaborate screening system, in which they choose how many refugees they are willing to receive and from which countries. Problems with racism, violence, and religious differences have culled a sense of caution in the selection process. The Norway Post reports that, “more often than before, [the municipalities] also demand detailed personal information.”
In June, the parliament rejected a proposal for mandatory HIV screening of all residence permit applicants on the grounds that such a practice would be discriminatory. Regional Minister Sylvia Brustad said, “The proposal is part of the general debate around Norwegian immigration policy, in an attempt to frighten people and brand a whole group as carriers of HIV/AIDS.”
Fear that immigrant populations will be responsible for contaminating Norway has been widespread – not just in terms of HIV, but drawing also on beliefs about criminal behavior, employment, religious zealotry, public health, and the integrity of the educational system.
In light of these concerns, a number of neo-nazi groups have been gaining in popularity, especially in areas which have seen a larger influx of immigrants. One group in particular, Oslo’s Boot boys, is believed to be responsible for several episodes of racist violence in the past two years, including the brutal assault of a 31 year old Moroccan-born man in 1998 and the murder of a 15 year old Norwegian-African boy in January of 2001.
Although the Oslo police rejected applications submitted by the Boot boys for a memorial march honoring German Nazi Rudolf Hess, the group held the tribute commemorating his death anyways on August 19th, 2000. While an estimated 30-50 members of the Boot boys participated in the march outside of Oslo, 15,000 people held demonstrations within the city to protest neo-Nazism.
While concerned about the rise in racist violence, the Norwegian government is reluctant to pursue a ban on neo-nazi organizations, believing that such a policy would force racist groups underground where their actions would be difficult to monitor and regulate.
Another demonstration against neo-nazism took place in January, 2001 following the murder of the 15 year old boy in an Oslo suburb. An estimated 40,000 people, including Crown Prince Håkon, his fiancée Mette Marit, and sister Martha Louise were present at Oslo’s demonstration. Other towns such as Trondheim and Stavanger also held demonstrations. Norway Post writer Rolleiv Solholm remarked that, “It seems clear that it was one of the biggest mass demonstrations in Norway since the Liberation in 1945.”
