Norway to increase support to refugees in Ukraine and Moldova
Press release | Date: 15/05/2024 | Last updated: 16/05/2024 | Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
‘Norway is allocating an additional NOK 170 million to the UN Refugee Agency for the refugee response in Ukraine and Moldova,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. Mr Støre met today with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who is in Oslo for the launch of Norway’s new humanitarian strategy.
The UN estimates that over 6 million Ukrainians have fled the country and some 4 million are internally displaced as a result of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. Norway will now provide NOK 170 million to the efforts to assist refugees in Ukraine and Moldova being carried out under the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
‘Russia is continuing its brutal war of aggression, and more people are fleeing every day. Without help, Ukrainians will be forced into a life of uncertainly and despair. Norway stands with Ukraine,’ said Mr Støre.
Filippo Grandi has served as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees since 2016. While in Oslo, Mr Grandi is meeting with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
‘I have spoken with displaced Ukrainians in Ukraine and in neighbouring countries. The stories they tell about how this war has destroyed communities and torn families apart are extremely distressing. The UN and the High Commissioner play a vital part in helping refugees,’ said Mr Støre.
The UNHCR uses funding from Norway to provide emergency life-saving efforts, and humanitarian aid such as shelter, blankets and clothing, as well as cash assistance to enable the most vulnerable to cover essentials.
‘Russia’s war continues unabated and buildings and other infrastructure must be rebuilt time and time again. The UN’s broad humanitarian efforts also go towards repairing civilian infrastructure. Humanitarian aid and early reconstruction efforts must be coordinated so that Ukrainians will be able to be as self-sufficient as possible, both now and in the future,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.
Much of the Norwegian funding to the millions of Ukrainians who have left their homes behind is being provided under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine. The Support Programme provides flexible support and allocations can be adjusted as Ukraine’s needs evolve.
‘The additional allocation to the UN Refugee Agency will be used to help the most vulnerable Ukrainians in an uncertain and unpredictable situation. Many have had to flee repeatedly in order to escape the ongoing hostilities that are destroying their homes,’ said Minister of International Development Anne Beathe Tvinnereim.
Facts about Norwegian support to humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
- So far this year, Norway has provided NOK 745 million to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and to the UN’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and for refugees in neighbouring countries.
- The funds are used to provide life-saving assistance and access to shelter, food, water and sanitation, education and health care for the most vulnerable groups, such as children, refugees and internally displaced persons.
- Norway is the fifth largest donor to the UNHCR in Ukraine and one of the most important humanitarian partners in both Ukraine and Moldova.
- Ukraine’s neighbouring countries have received huge numbers of refugees since Russia launched its full-scale war against Ukraine in February 2022.
- Last year, the UN in collaboration with hundreds of other humanitarian aid organisations delivered humanitarian assistance to millions of Ukrainians. The most urgent needs are in the east near the front line and in the west where there is a large number of internally displaced people.
- According to UNHCR, some 3.6 million of the roughly four million internally displaced people are in need of humanitarian support.
- Norway's humanitarian support is part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.