The Government steps up Norway’s humanitarian efforts

Attacks on civilians are becoming increasingly common in conflicts around the world.  The warring parties show an alarming lack of respect for international humanitarian law. In many conflicts, it is extremely difficult for humanitarian actors to gain access to those in need.

The Government presented a white paper on Norwegian humanitarian policy today in which it reaffirms that Norway intends to be a leading political and financial partner in efforts to ensure that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need.  

“It is civilians who pay the highest price in armed conflicts when humanitarian law is disregarded. The Government will step up efforts to protect civilians and promote respect for humanitarian law. We will intensify our cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and participate actively in UN-led humanitarian disarmament processes and measures to combat sexualised violence,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

“The Office of the Auditor General has concluded that Norwegian humanitarian assistance is helping many people, but at the same time identified areas where there is a potential for improvement. In order to achieve an even stronger focus on results, we are concluding strategic cooperation agreements with humanitarian organisations and giving higher priority to research,” said Mr Støre. 

New global challenges such as environmental changes and climate change will affect human security and, in all probability, lead to more and increasingly complex humanitarian crises. 

“Norway will take part in international efforts to prevent humanitarian crises. At the same time we will play a proactive international role in supporting affected countries and humanitarian actors in their efforts to meet the challenges of the future,” said Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim.