In this report, NIM reviews the human rights framework in relation to the collection of Sámi statistics.
The report outlines the human rights-based approach to indigenous statistics, explaining why disaggregated data is essential for the implementation of indigenous rights, but also why appropriate safeguards must be in place to protect indigenous peoples’ data and prevent its misuse. In addition, the report considers the history of Sámi statistics in Norway and examines the Sámi-specific data sources that are available today.
Although there is no explicit human rights obligation on States to disaggregate statistical data by ethnicity or indigenous status, NIM believes that the current approach to Sámi statistics in Norway does not provide an adequate empirical basis for monitoring the equal enjoyment of the Sámi people’s human rights.