Exercise of rights of the indigenous peoples on the example of Norway's policy towards Sami population

Abstract

This article is dedicated to the relevant problem of preserving the lifestyle of indigenous peoples and ensuring their rights. Norway has a considerable experience in this sphere, and can serve as a positive example for the Russian in the sphere of exercising the rights and support of the indigenous small-numbered peoples. The goal of this article consists in examination of the government policy towards the indigenous peoples of Northern Norway, their current status, as well as assessment of government activity in solving the problems of Sami people. The subject of this research is the legislation and policy towards Sami people as the indigenous people of the North and minority in Norway. The methodological framework consists of systematic, retrospective and comparative analysis. Analysis is conducted on the international and domestic legal aspects of exercising the rights of Sami people. In conclusion, the author notes the recent fundamental transformation of the legal system towards sovereignty of Sami people, and moreover, the revival of their cultural and social traditions. The scientific novelty of lies in the comprehensive analysis of international and domestic means of protection of rights of the indigenous peoples of the North, as well as in assessment of the political program and government actions on maintaining their unique culture and ensuring the rights to self-governance.