Bark or bite? Meet Norway’s human rights watchdog: NIM

The UN recommends that all states have a national institution for the protection of human rights. In Norway the task is given to the National Human Rights Institution – NIM – an independent organ appointed by the Norwegian Parliament in 2015. Rather than dealing with individual cases, NIM expert knowledge is used to advice and guide state authorities to ensure that constitutional and international human rights obligations are met.

A recent example
is the public advice given in their wish list to the new minister of justice, Monica Mæland.

To what extent are NIMs recommendations listened to? How does NIM, as a state appointed organ, guard its independence? Is there a need for a human rights watchdog in Norway? How does NIM compare to national human rights institutions in other countries?

In this lunch seminar Adele Mestad will discuss NIM’s role as a guardian of human rights. The event is free and open to everyone! Coffee and a light lunch will be served.

Adele Mestad
was appointed as NIM’s Director by the Norwegian parliament in March 2019 and as assisting director in 2016. She has a law degree from the University of Oslo, and an LL.M. in International legal studies from New York University. She has previously worked for the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and the Norwegian Office of the Attorney General (Regjeringsadvokaten) with right to appear before the Supreme Court since 2013.