Norway to maintain its support for UN Refugee Agency

‘UNHCR is a strategic partner for Norway in our efforts to ensure humanitarian protection and assistance for people who have been forced to flee their homes. The decision to maintain a substantial level of support for UNHCR in 2018 is a clear indication of our intention to continue our efforts and cooperation in this important area,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.  

The amount of funding Norway is providing in 2018 is the same as in previous years, and it will be announced at the annual UNHCR pledging conference that is taking place in Geneva today. The funding is subject to the Storting’s approval. Norway is also providing additional earmarked funding for UNHCR for specific countries and regions, based on need. So far in 2017, Norway has provided a total of almost NOK 760 million to UNHCR. This figure includes Norway’s core contribution.  

‘It would be hard to overstate the importance of UNHCR’s mandate for the world’s refugees. In a world where we are constantly seeing new, protracted refugee crises, the value of UNHCR’s work is clearly evident every day,’ said Ms Eriksen Søreide.  

In its relief work, UNHCR aims to reach around 67 million people all over the world. In addition to refugees, UNHCR also provides assistance to internally displaced people, stateless people, asylum seekers and returned refugees. With a staff of over 11 000 in 130 countries, UNHCR is the largest aid organisation with a global mandate to protect refugees.   

The tasks of UNHCR include registering refugees, coordinating and providing life-saving emergency assistance, and finding sustainable solutions for people who have been forced to flee their homes. Norway is the fourth largest provider of core funding to UNHCR, and the organisation’s seventh largest donor overall.