In a public statement issued on 28 October, 2011, the Special Rapporteur warned that a proposal to repeal key laws and policies related to Sami people in Norway could “constitute an enormous setback for the recognition and protection of human rights in the country.” He further stated that “Norway could cease to be the world leader it has become in the recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples if the Norwegian National Parliament approves the proposal of one of the largest political parties in the country, the Progress Party (Fremskrittspartiet).” The proposal would repeal key laws and policies related to Sami people in the country. The Special Rapporteur urged the Norwegian Government, members of Parliament and the Norwegian people to strongly reject the proposal of the Progress Party, as well as any future proposals that may undermine the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Sami people in Norway.