Intensified efforts for people in need

“The global financial crisis is hitting people in need hard. The Government is therefore increasing its humanitarian contribution by NOK 183 million, to a total of NOK 2.2 billion in 2012,” commented Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.  

The instability of the global economy means that the most vulnerable people in the world are now even more at risk. States’ contributions to the UN and other humanitarian organisations are being reduced. At the same time, we see that environmental and climate change is now a key cause of three out of four humanitarian disasters. This is also increasing the need for humanitarian assistance. 

“We want to help ensure that the victims of wars, conflicts and natural disasters are given the protection and assistance they need. Closer international cooperation on the prevention of humanitarian crises is an important part of this work. Norway will continue to be a key contributor to international humanitarian aid efforts, both financially and politically,” said Mr Støre.  

Norway’s contribution is to be mainly channelled through the UN, the Red Cross and other NGOs.