Norway Country profile
The Norwegian Act
establishing the Commissioner for Children (Barneombudet) (Act No. 5 of March 1981)
Act
No.5 of March 6th 1981 relating to the Ombudsman for Children (With changes from
17-07-98)
Instructions
for the Ombudsman for Children (Laid down by Royal Decree of September 11. 1981 with
changes last by Royal Decree of July 17. 1998.)
The Norwegian Act establishing the Commissioner for Children (Barneombudet)
(Act No. 5 of March 1981)
1 Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to contribute to promoting the interests of children in society.
2 Commissioner for Children
The King shall appoint a Commissioner for Children for a period of four years.
The King shall appoint a Panel which shall act as an advisory body to the Commissioner for Children.
3 Duties of the Commissioner
The duties of the Commissioner are to promote the interests of children vis-à-vis public and private authorities and to follow up the development of conditions under which children grow up.
In particular the Commissioner shall:
a) on own initiative or at a hearing instance protect the interests of children in connection with planning and study-reports in all fields
b) ensure that legislation relating to the protection of children’s interests is observed
c) propose measures which can strengthen children’s safety under the law
d) put forward proposals for measures which can solve or prevent conflicts between children and society
e) ensure that sufficient information is given to the public and private sectors concerning children’s rights and measures required for children.
The Commissioner may act on his own initiative or at the request of other people. The Commissioner for Children himself decides whether an application offers sufficient grounds for action.
4 Access to institutions and duty to provide information, etc.
The Commissioner shall have free access to all public and private institutions for children.
Government authorities and public and private institutions for children shall, notwithstanding the pledge of secrecy, give the Commissioner the information needed to carry out the duties of the Commissioner pursuant to this Act. Information which is needed for the accomplishment of the Commissioner’s tasks pursuant to section 3 ... may also, notwithstanding the pledge of secrecy, be demanded from others. When information can be demanded pursuant to this item, it may also be required that records and other documents be produced...