A human-rights-based approach to Sámi statistics in Norway

This chapter discusses the human rights framework in relation to Sámi statistics in Norway. It explains why international human rights bodies consider the collection of ethnicity data essential for monitoring the implementation of Indigenous rights, but also why appropriate safeguards must be in place to protect Indigenous peoples’ data. In addition, the chapter considers the history of Sámi statistics in Norway and the approach to ethnicity data in other European countries. Finally, the chapter examines whether the current approach to Sámi statistics in Norway provides an adequate empirical basis for monitoring the implementation of Sámi rights.