President,
Norway shares the great concern about the sharp increase of people in need of humanitarian assistance. Unfortunately, there are no signs that this trend will be reversed any time soon. The gap between the needs and available financial resources is expected to be even greater next year.
With this background, we must strengthen our efforts to ensure that as many as possible are provided with the protection and assistance that they need. We must work smarter and better. We need a coordinated humanitarian response that puts people affected by crises at the center. Gender responsive protection and assistance is important.
I would like to highlight four issues of particular importance to Norway:
First, protection of civilians in armed conflict remains a priority for Norway. Strengthening the protection of civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is key in this regard. A milestone was reached in Dublin last year when the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas, EWIPA, was adopted by 83 states. The scale of destruction we are seeing in Gaza now sadly demonstrates the relevance of the EWIPA declaration, which addresses what international humanitarian law means for urban warfare. It recognizes the obligations for all of us to call for the protection of civilian lives and civilian objects. In April next year, we will host a conference to follow up implementation of the commitments. The aim is to broaden the support and find practical measures to enhance the protection of civilians in urban warfare.
Second, as the number of people in need of food assistance is record high and continuing to rise, combatting food insecurity and hunger is a main priority for Norway. This involves contributing to climate robust food production, including by smallholders, and the development of local value chains and markets.
Thirdly, Norway will continue strive to break the downward spiral that is turning protracted, complex crises into the new norm in several regions. Closer collaboration between humanitarian efforts, long term development assistance and peacebuilding is necessary to prevent human suffering and reduce humanitarian needs. We are pleased to see progress globally in this regard.
Fourth, crises stemming from climate change are on the rise. It is urgent to address the humanitarian consequences of climate change as well as the inter-linkage between our humanitarian and climate efforts. Climate funding must reach the people most affected by climate change. Currently, very little does.
And we need to act ahead of crises to reduce their negative impact on people.
Anticipatory action must become a preferred option where it is possible to predict a crisis. Lives will be saved, people’s dignity will be upheld and the need for humanitarian support will be reduced. Norway supports CERF as an effective mechanism advancing anticipatory approaches.
Flexible and multi-year funding is key for humanitarian organisations to be able to act fast according to changing needs. Norway provides predictable, flexible and long-term humanitarian funding. We encourage other donors to do the same.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the relentless efforts and dedication of humanitarian first-line responders, many of them from the crisis affected area themselves and some giving the ultimate sacrifice. Humanitarian workers must be protected!
In this regard, we are concerned about the increasing threat of disinformation campaigns and misinformation that undermine thrust in the UN and humanitarian organisations and put humanitarian personnel and UN and associated personnel at risk.