Norway to step up funding to alleviate humanitarian crises
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Published under: Solberg's Government
Publisher: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Press release | Date: 12/10/2017 | Last updated: 13/10/2017
The Government proposes an increase in humanitarian funding to an unprecedented level. 'Never before have so many people been affected by wars, conflicts and natural disasters. Given that more than 140 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance worldwide and the UN is not receiving enough funding, it is vital that Norway increases its humanitarian aid,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Børge Brende.
The Government increased Norway's total humanitarian aid budget by over 50 % from 2014 to 2017. In the budget proposal for 2018, a further increase of NOK 139 million is proposed, bringing the total to NOK 5.2 billion.
'The Government has made a historic investment in the area of humanitarian response, because the needs are greater than ever before. We want to maintain a high level of aid to major humanitarian crises such as the ones we are seeing in Syria, Yemen, the Lake Chad region, and South Sudan. We will give priority to education in crises, continue our efforts to promote mine clearance, and play an active role in ensuring protection from sexual violence and abuse,' said Mr Brende.
Norway's humanitarian aid is channelled primarily through the UN, the Red Cross movement, and Norwegian humanitarian organisations.
'We are seeing a tendency for humanitarian crises to become longer and more drawn-out, and we are seeking to improve coordination between emergency humanitarian assistance and long-term development aid. It is important to save lives and alleviate suffering, but it is also crucial to bring an end to conflicts and address the underlying causes of famine, displacement and violence. Norway works actively to promote political solutions. We are also working internationally to ensure that civilians and aid workers are protected in accordance with international humanitarian law,' said Mr Brende.
More information on Norway's humanitarian efforts can be found here.