{{Short description|Anti-globalization protests in Oslo, Norway}} {{Infobox civil conflict | title = World Bank Oslo 2002 Protests | partof = the [[Anti-globalization movement]] | image = Oslo2002-1.jpg | caption = Demonstrators assembled before the march | date = June 24–26, 2002 | place = [[Oslo, Norway]] | coordinates = | causes = | goals = | methods = *Marches *Conference | status = | result = | side1 = | side2 = | side3 = | leadfigures1 = | leadfigures2 = | leadfigures3 = | howmany1 = | howmany2 = | howmany3 = | casualties1 = | casualties2 = | casualties3 = | fatalities = | injuries = | arrests = | detentions = | charged = | fined = | casualties_label = | notes = | sidebox = }} During the '''[[World Bank]] Annual Bank Conference on Development Economics''' in [[Oslo]], [[Norway]] in 2002 large [[Anti-globalization|globalization-critical]] protests were held. A coalition of many organizations organized an alternative conference and a [[Demonstration (people)|demonstration]] with more than 10 000 participants, thus making it the largest mass mobilisation in Norway in recent history. Before the protests, there was much concern about violence and [[riot]]s, but the actual protest was almost entirely peaceful with a few minor incidents.<ref name="aftenposten-after">{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/oslo/article352624.ece|title=Ti tusen demonstranter i Oslos gater|last=Børringbo|first=Laus|author2=Hans O. Torgensen |date=2002-06-24|publisher=[[Aftenposten]]|language=Norwegian|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref><ref name="dn-after">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=554&a=30223&maNo=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020804115907/http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=554&a=30223&maNo=0|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 4, 2002|title=Lugn manisfestation i Oslo|last=Holmberg|first=Kalle|date=2002-06-24|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref>
==The conference== The [[World Bank]] has held its [[Annual World Bank Conference on Development Economics]] (ABCDE) since 1988.<ref name="dn-faktaruta">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/road/Classic/article/0/jsp/faktaRender.jsp?fno=0&major=1&minor=30176|title=Fakta/Världsbankens forskarkonferens|date=2002-06-23|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-10}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> The June 24–26, 2002 conference focused on poverty and on implementing the commitments made of the [[Monterrey Consensus]] from March the same year.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/2063247.stm|title=Experts call for poverty action|last=Bevanger|first=Lars|date=2002-06-24|publisher=[[BBC]]|access-date=2008-10-10}}</ref> The conference was held in the hills above Oslo, in a hotel at [[Holmenkollen]]. It was originally planned to be held in Stockholm, Sweden, but was moved to Oslo so as not to interfere with the [[2002 Swedish general election]].<ref name="nbr">{{cite news|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5962722_ITM|title=World Bank conference moved to Norway.|date=2002-02-19|publisher=Nordic Business Report (M2 Communications Ltd)|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref><ref name="dn-fattigdom">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=30176|title=Världens fattigdom i fokus i Oslo|last=Holmberg|first=Kalle|date=2002-06-23|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-10}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
==Purpose and organization of the protests== The protests were organized by Oslo 2002, an umbrella organization for about 50 participating organizations including [[labor union]]s, political parties, [[environmental organization]]s, [[Religion-supporting organization|church]] organizations and [[ATTAC]] from Norway, Sweden and Denmark.<ref name="dn-utvisad" /><ref name=nettverket>{{cite web|url=http://www.oslo2002.no/oslo2002.shtml|title=Om nettverket, list of Oslo 2002 network members|date=2002|language=Norwegian|accessdate=2008-10-11|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803204746/http://www.oslo2002.no/oslo2002.shtml|archivedate=2002-08-03}}</ref> While each participant had its own reasons, here were the Oslo 2002 network mottos:
* "Our world is not for sale--stop the World Bank’s undemocratic market policies!" * "Cancel [[Developing countries' debt|Third World debt]]--release the choke hold!!" * "[[Free trade]] pollutes!" * "Yes to women and [[women’s rights]]--no to the World Bank!" * "Stop the World Bank’s attack on [[labor rights]]!"
The network claimed that the World Bank is an undemocratic institution used by rich nations to control poor countries.<ref name="nettverket" /> Einar Braathen and Reidun Heiene of ATTAC Norway and the Oslo 2002 network also criticized the bank for believing too much in [[Free market|market-based]] solutions.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kronikker/article349466.ece|title=Verdensbanken opp ned|last=Braathen|first=Einar|author2=Reidun Heiene|date=2002-06-20|publisher=[[Aftenposten]] (debate article)|language=Norwegian|accessdate=2008-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524034733/http://www.aftenposten.no/meninger/kronikker/article349466.ece|archive-date=2011-05-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Prelude== In the weeks leading up to the conference and protests there was much concern about possible violence. The [[protests during the EU summit in Gothenburg 2001]] were marred with vandalism and violent clashes between police and masked protesters. The previous year's World Bank conference in [[Barcelona]] had to be cancelled and held online instead.<ref name="bbc" />
Many protesters were expected from other countries, especially neighboring Sweden and Denmark, but also some other parts of Europe.<ref name="dagbladet-gateslag">{{cite news|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2002/06/19/338964.html|title=Frykter gateslag i Oslo|last=Hultgreen|first=Gunnar|author2=Kristoffer Egeberg |date=2002-06-19|publisher=[[Dagbladet]]|language=Norwegian|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref> Extra border patrols were put in place between Sweden and Norway, a border that is normally uncontrolled. There were lists of at least 500 persons who would not be allowed to enter the country.<ref name="aftenposte-braces">{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/english/article348387.ece|title=Oslo braces for World Bank meeting|last=Berglund|first=Nina|date=2002-06-18|publisher=[[Aftenposten]]|accessdate=2008-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524034250/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/article348387.ece|archive-date=2011-05-24|url-status=dead}}</ref> An 18-year-old Swedish man was arrested in Oslo and later deported to Sweden. Another nine were apprehended at the [[Svinesund]] border crossing, but later released. A bus with 27 Danish citizens was stopped and their passports were copied by the police. Representatives for the protest organizers said the police should not arrest people who had committed no crime using anti-terrorist laws because it would label all protesters as criminals.<ref name="dn-utvisad">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=147&a=30074|archive-url=https://archive.today/20020804113626/http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=147&a=30074|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 4, 2002|title=Svensk utvisad från Norge|last=Holmberg|first=Kalle|author2=Pernilla Fagerström |date=2002-06-23|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-10}}</ref><ref name="aftenposten-utvise">{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article351841.ece|title=UDI vil utvise pågrepet demonstrant|last=Andersen|first=Jon Even|date=2002-06-23|publisher=[[Aftenposten]] - [[Norwegian News Agency|NTB]]|language=Norwegian|accessdate=2008-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524034228/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article351841.ece|archive-date=2011-05-24|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="dn-registrering">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=30223|title=Demonstranter oroade över registrering|last=Ljunggren|first=Petter|date=2002-06-24|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-10}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
Some downtown merchants were afraid of vandalism. Vehicles were not allowed to stop in downtown Oslo for five days, buses and trains were stopped during the march and garbage cans were removed from the streets.<ref name="aftenposte-braces" /><ref name="aftenposten-prepares">{{cite news|url=http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article349260.ece|title=Oslo prepares for street violence|last=Wasim|first=K. Riaz|author2=Jonathan Tisdall|date=2002-06-19|publisher=[[Aftenposten]]|accessdate=2008-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524034317/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article349260.ece|archive-date=2011-05-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>
900 Norwegian police officers trained before the conference at a temporary training ground on the closed [[Oslo Airport, Fornebu|Fornebu airport]]. 20 courtrooms with judges were kept ready to handle urgent cases. A special holding facility was also constructed. The police primarily feared that unofficial protests after the large march would become violent, especially the anarchist [[Blitz (movement)|Blitz movement]]. Another worry was provocation from counter-demonstrations by [[neo-nazi]] and extreme right-wing groups.<ref name="dagbladet-gateslag" /><ref name="aftenposte-braces" />
The organizers, Oslo 2002, said they did not expect violence and they have been assured by the police there would be no provocations. Masks were not allowed in the demonstration.<ref name="dn-utvisad" />
==Protest march== [[Image:Oslo2002-2.jpg|thumb|The marchers set off]] [[Image:Oslo2002 World Bank Demonstration on Karl Johan.jpg|thumb|The march walking along [[Karl Johans Street]] with the [[Royal Palace, Oslo|Royal Palace]] in the background.]] The protest march on June 24 started at 18.30 from [[Oslo Central Station]] and proceeded around central Oslo. Over 10,000 people participated in the march that was described by news writers as peaceful, colorful and carnival-like. At 19.45 the first marchers came back to [[Jernbanetorget]] along [[Karl Johans Street]]. On the square there were speeches on the theme "Vår verden er ikke til salgs - stopp Verdensbanken" (Our world is not for sale - stop the World Bank).<ref name="aftenposten-after" /><ref name="dn-after" />
The police kept a low profile but waited nearby. After the demonstration reached the end, at least ten stones were thrown towards a [[McDonald's]] restaurant, but without consequence. The throwers were soon stopped by older participants.<ref name="aftenposten-after" />
Later in the evening was an unorganized after party in a central city park, which was also peaceful except for a quarrel between youths, apparently over a personal conflict rather than for political reasons.<ref name="dn-after" />
==Alternative conference== An alternative conference called Open Forum (Åpent Forum) was held on Sunday 23 June. It focused on the negative effects of the World Bank and the [[International Monetary Fund]]. The conference was opened by [[Kenneth Kaunda]], former president of [[Zambia]]. He said the World Bank's move away from [[structural adjustment program]]mes toward poverty reduction represents little more than window dressing and called for "a second liberation from global financial strangulation of mankind spearheaded by the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the [[World Trade Organization|World Trade Organisation]]."<ref name="bbc" />
The Open Forum aimed to share experiences by various social organizations, national and international [[NGO]]s, [[Jubilee 2000|Jubilee South]], the Norwegian [[Cancel the Debt Coalition]] (SLUG), [[ATTAC]]; peace- and human rights organisations, [[anti-globalisation]] initiatives and World Bank critics like [[Structural Adjustment Participatory Review International Network|SAPRIN]]. They criticized the World Bank for being undemocratic and becoming too powerful, at the cost of the [[United Nations]]. According to the organizers, the fundamentally undemocratic development hurt the poorest people in the world. They refuted the banks claims of reform saying it did not learn from its mistakes.<ref name="openforum">{{cite web|url=http://www.oslo2002.no/openforum.shtml|title=Open Forum|date=2002-06-23|publisher=Oslo 2002 website|accessdate=2008-10-11|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020803204835/http://www.oslo2002.no/openforum.shtml|archivedate=2002-08-03}}</ref>
[[Attac]] also organized a debate evening at [[University of Oslo]] where some World Bank representatives and critics met and discussed.<ref name="dn-arrogant">{{cite news|url=http://www.dn.se/DNet/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=30949|title=Arrogant avslutning i Oslo|last=Holmberg|first=Kalle|date=2002-06-26|publisher=[[Dagens Nyheter]]|language=Swedish|accessdate=2008-10-11}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
==Aftermath== A police representative was happy that the protest was calm and that everybody could enjoy the nice summer day in Oslo and protest at the same time. [[Gustav Fridolin]] of the [[Green Party (Sweden)|Swedish Green Party]] who participated in the protest commented that the Norwegian police had learned from the mistakes of the Swedish police in [[Protests during the EU summit in Gothenburg 2001|Gothenburg the year before]].<ref name="dn-after" /> In his closing speech of the ABCDE conference David Hulme from [[Manchester University]] called (somewhat jokingly) for a "strategy for reduced arrogance". Several speakers had called for a reform of the World Bank where the fight against world poverty is taken seriously.<ref name="dn-arrogant" />
==See also== * [[2008–09 Oslo riots]]
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20020802074719/http://www.oslo2002.no/ Oslo 2002 - Organizers website] (in Norwegian) (archived copy) * [https://web.archive.org/web/20020803201157/http://www.oslo2002.no/english.shtml English website] (archived copy) * [https://archive.today/20130416040746/http://go.worldbank.org/13DSCODC50 Selected papers from the ABCDE-Europe meetings in Oslo 2002] - from the World Bank website.
{{Anti-globalization}}
[[Category:2002 in Norway]] [[Category:Anti-globalization protests]] [[Category:Third World debt cancellation activism]] [[Category:World Bank]] [[Category:2000s in Oslo]] [[Category:June 2002 in Europe]]