By Cato Litangen
Artists mostly fall short when the fight for freedom of expression is proclaimed in international forums. The focus is on the media and journalists, political dissidents, and rights activists. A little over a year ago, then Norwegian Foreign Minister Søreide launched the ministry's Strategy for freedom of expression in foreign and development policy. The strategy marked a breakthrough for artistic expression. They were included as part of the work for freedom of expression in Norway's foreign policy.
It means that the Norwegian authorities highlight the importance of artists in the work for freedom of expression and that artists should receive protection on the same level as a journalist or a political oppositionist. This strategy is a reinforcement of the rights-based cultural policy that has been pursued by Norwegian foreign authorities since 2013.
One of Arendalsuka's (festival of democracy) biggest events this year was when the Freedom of Expression Commission presented its report, which also includes a chapter on artistic freedom. It says that "There are hardly any places in the world where the conditions are as favorable for a well-functioning freedom of expression and a healthy culture of expression as in Norway. This also applies to artists and artistic freedom. With this starting point also comes a responsibility to get involved in the lives of artists elsewhere in the world, where the conditions are far more demanding. Norwegian authorities and artists' organizations should be promoters and role models for artistic freedom also internationally.
The document also comes with this recommendation: In the government's strategy for freedom of expression in foreign and development policy, one of the measures is to "support international and national safety nets for vulnerable artists who need legal aid, protection and psychosocial support". This should be followed up with a substantial strengthening of schemes that offer such protection and support."
With its Freedom of Expression Strategy, the Norwegian authorities have already made a move to establish themselves as a "motivator and role model" in foreign policy. But there is a long way to go. This year, Norway has joined major political initiatives in the area of human rights.
Joe Biden's "Summit for Democracy" urges the free world to jointly protect and develop democracy. Respect for human rights is one of three main themes, and freedom of expression is a particular priority. Biden's global commitment is NOK 4.5 billion, and support for free and independent media dominates the action plan.
Norway will lead a working group during the "Summit for Democracy", which will strengthen civil society's democratic role. Particular focus will be placed on marginalized groups, civil society leaders and human rights activists. Support for female human rights defenders is to take place with renewed vigor through the UN organization for women's rights and equality. Norway also recently joined the Media Freedom Coalition, which brings together 52 states in the effort for press freedom.
Most people who work in the global human rights field are therefore covered by these initiatives, and freedom of expression has received special attention. But we do not see the support for artistic rights in the big politics. This may be partly due to the fact that Norwegian (and other countries') artists' organizations have not stepped in as promoters and role models for artistic freedom also internationally, as the Freedom of Expression Commission encourages. Artistic rights are poorly represented in global human rights work.
In Norway, we are a handful of people who work internationally in this field. The work of protecting vulnerable artists is carried out by fewer people worldwide than you can fit in a mini-bus. The international structures are maintained through government funding from a small number of countries, and a handful of private American and European funds.
The recommendation from the Freedom of Expression Commission that Norwegian cultural organizations must get involved as promoters, also internationally, is timely.
