Norway provides additional NOK 180 million in humanitarian aid

Norway is making an additional contribution to support refugees in Syria’s neighbouring countries, with a particular focus on children and young people. Additional funds will also be provided for the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Ethiopia and Iraq, as well for the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the emergency appeals of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The World Food Programme (WFP) will receive NOK 45 million for its efforts in Jordan and Lebanon.

‘The UN had to reduce food rations for 360 000 Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon in the autumn. Norway’s additional funding will ensure urgently needed food for thousands of people,’ said Mr Brende.

While war and conflict are affecting Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis, as well as the large numbers of refugees who have found their way to Europe, more than 10 million people in Ethiopia are now affected by drought. 

The UN and the Red Cross are important partners for Norway in its humanitarian efforts. Much of Norway’s support is channelled through WFP and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Norway is also making an additional contribution of around NOK 20 million to its education cooperation with UNHCR, in connection with its new strategic partnership with the Agency.

The total allocation of NOK 180 million is being taken from the humanitarian reserve in the 2015 budget. In the budget for 2016, total humanitarian aid has been increased by more than NOK 1 billion, to almost NOK 5 billion. This includes Norway’s annual core funding for WFP and UNHCR.