Norway increases humanitarian funding for acute crises
Press release | Date: 08/12/2021 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘Norway is increasing its annual contribution to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to NOK 450 million over the next four years. This will create greater predictability and enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt. Ms Huitfeldt is currently in New York and will be signing an agreement together with UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths during her visit.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will announce the Norwegian contribution for 2022 at the UN High-level Pledging Event on 8 December. Norway will renew its agreement for the next four years at the same time.
Humanitarian needs are at a record high. The UN estimates that in 2022, 274 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection as a result of political crises, conflicts, the Covid-19 pandemic and the impacts of climate change. This figure has doubled over the last four years.
‘The UN needs to have a substantial emergency response fund to deal with the many humanitarian crises. Norway has been one of the largest donors since the fund was established in 2006. The funding Norway provides through CERF is part of the overall strategy to promote better coordinated, more effective humanitarian efforts at country level. The funds are used to finance rapid humanitarian response in acute crises, as well as to alleviate underfunded emergencies,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The UN has launched an appeal for USD 41 billion for humanitarian efforts in 2022. CERF is a vital part of the international first-line response to humanitarian crises. The funds are allocated to UN organisations that carry out humanitarian efforts themselves and also channel funding to other humanitarian partners in the field.
‘Coordinated UN efforts are helping to save lives every day. In 2021, funds from CERF have been used to provide humanitarian assistance and protection in 34 countries. CERF was quick to offer financial support when fire broke out in the refugee camp at Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh in March. The fund also responded rapidly when the conflict in Tigray flared up during the summer. In Afghanistan, CERF has provided crucial funding that has enabled humanitarian actors to remain in the country and provide relief in the face of growing humanitarian need after the Taliban’s return to power,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.
The countries that have received the most funding from CERF in 2021 are Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Yemen.