User:Aam1992/sandbox/oslo

Norway, and especially the Oslo region, is currently facing a major immigration debate. Many Norwegians argue that receiving immigrants and giving asylum is a problem because of the struggles connected with integrating them into Norwegian society. Norway has always been viewed as a tolerant end egalitarian society and as a leader in global peacemaking and humanitarian aid, but lately the country has seen a rise in xenophobia. The country is observing a general shift away from multiculturalism and a growing emphasis on citizenship. Up to the late 1960s, there were virtually no immigrants in Norway from countries outside Europe. Now, the immigrant community makes up around 668,600 people or 13.4% of the Norwegian population. Rape has been a growing problem amongst immigrants against Norwegian women; it is evident that in 2015, immigrants from Africa and Asia, which encompasses the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, were held responsible for a total of one quarter of all rapes reported in Norway in 2015. Norwegian police are working hard to combat the issue by offering classes on how to treat women in Norway, including information on European sexual norms and social codes and the fact that you cannot force a women to have sex in Norway. A major reason for the rise in crime is due to mental illness; the immigrant populations, specifically adult immigrants from low and middle income countries, have been found with a higher degree of mental health problems compared to Norwegians and the general population. Increased risk for mental illness is primarily linked to a higher risk for acculturative stress, poor social support, deprived socioeconomic conditions, multiple negative life events, experiences of discrimination and traumatic pre-migration experiences. Integration is a necessary but very difficult challenge, as the immigrants need to be competent in living in Norwegian society to be able to take care of their children's welfare, education and careers in Norway. The idea that immigrants' culture must be protected and respected has in effect led to a situation where many immigrants, and worse, their Norwegian children, do not have a proper command of the Norwegian language and are sentenced to a life outside the regular labour market. Though difficult, Norway is very adament about integration, and works hard to make sure everybody sticks to the required model. Norway makes sure newcomers have access to competence screening, validation of prior learning, and differentiated language training. The Norwegian approach is based on the conviction that refugees have something very valuable to offer to the municipalities that give them a new home. Every year, the Norwegian government publishes "Mål for integrering" which are the goals for integration. These statistics are used as a basis for different ministries and public agencies to develop targeted policies and measures that give immigrants and their children equal opportunities, rights and duties. Norway takes such a strong approach to integration that it's considered the best in Scandinavia.