Human Rights Service
Human Rights Service is a Norwegian foundation established in 2001. The organization is managed by Rita Karlsen, Hege Storhaug and Nina Hjerpset-Østlie.
HRS was established to work for a more well-functioning multi-ethnic society. Through the spread of information the organization aims to contribute to better integration of immigrants, and preventing violation of human rights. It has become known especially for its work against forced marriage, and against cultural and religious oppression of women. The organization has also been critical of the cultural and economic effects of the high immigration to Norway.
HRS has received public funding from the state since 2002, and since 2012 from Oslo municipality. After a new Oslo city council proposed to withdraw further support in 2015, the organization claimed they saw a huge surge of private donations. In 2017 the Norwegian political parties Liberal Party, Christian Democratic Party, and some politicians from Conservative Party tried to stop further funding of HRS, but they still got NOK 1.835.000 in state funding.
HRS has been praised by Ayaan Hirsi Ali. American writer Bruce Bawer has formerly worked for the organization.
The organization has seen controversy as a result of criticism by immigrant women formerly affiliated with the organization, including former employee Amal Aden criticizing some of its alleged work methods. Aden gave a formal complaint to the police, but the police later dropped the case due to insufficient capacity.
