An investigation by the Norwegian National Institution for Human Rights (NIM) has concluded that the law violates fundamental human rights.
In 2013, the city introduced an absolute ban on anyone sleeping in public places, which has even covered sleeping in cars.
The figures from the report reveal that this criminalisation of homelessness is aimed at foreigners living in Norway. This is despite the fact that neutral wording was used by the municipality in the ban.
The report concludes that, in certain instances, the prohibition is enforced in a way which suggests cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment. According to the European Court of Human Rights, an eviction from a place of sleeping or residence can amount to inhuman or degrading treatment if it is accompanied by racist speech or excessive force. Interviews indicated that a significant number of police officers engaged in such conduct.
The report calls for a lifting of the ban and a full investigation by the authorities.