Minorities and other vulnerable groups

21. The Committee notes with concern allegations of cases of ill-treatment, harassment, incitement to violence and hate speech towards minorities and other vulnerable groups in the State party, including persons belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community (art. 16).

The Committee recalls that, in the light of its general comment No. 2 (2007) on the implementation of article 2, the special protection of minorities or marginalized individuals or groups especially at risk is part of the State party’s obligation to prevent torture or ill-treatment. In this respect, the State party should enhance efforts to eradicate any instances of violence and ill-treatment of vulnerable groups, including through increased awareness-raising and information campaigns to promote tolerance and respect for diversity.

The State party should ensure that violent acts, discrimination and hate speech are systematically investigated, prosecuted and the alleged perpetrators prosecuted, if found guilty, convicted and sanctioned with penalties commensurate with the gravity of the offence.

Link to full text of the report: Concluding Observations-CAT-Norway-2012-eng