Mr. President,
Again, this year, we have seen an increase in humanitarian needs and human suffering due to armed conflict and violence, climate change and natural disasters.
Norway is committed to doing its part for people in need of protection and assistance. We maintain our funding to humanitarian efforts, through the UN, the Red Cross Red Crescent movement, to international and local organizations. But funding is not enough. Norway is also committed to upholding international law, advocating for access and protection, supporting emergency assistance and search for solutions.
We will continue to be outspoken and call out violations of international humanitarian law wherever they happen. We must use the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions as an opportunity to strengthen compliance. We support efforts in the Security Council and elsewhere to strengthen the safety and security of humanitarian personnel.
The protection of civilians remains one of the main priorities in Norway’s humanitarian strategy. We have a focus on combatting sexual and gender-based violence, and the protection of health and education, children and youth. We give priority to the protection of civilians from explosive remnants of war and from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas, as seen in Ukraine and Gaza.
Another priority is combatting hunger. According to the World Food Programme, up to 1.9 million people are on the brink of famine. Not only in Gaza and Sudan – but also in parts of South Sudan, Haiti and Mali. Preventing armed conflict and contributing to peacebuilding will reduce the risk of hunger crises. The most vulnerable populations must be far better protected against food crises. The use of starvation as a method of warfare must end.
Emergency assistance will remain a key instrument in addressing acute hunger crises. Norway will also strengthen disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action to prevent new and recurring hunger crises.
A third priority is reducing the gap between the increasing needs and available resources. Our humanitarian budget remains high. And we will promote a comprehensive approach to reducing needs and finding durable solutions for refugees and internally displaced populations. We will support the follow-up of the work done by the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Solutions to Internal Displacement.
As Chair of the OCHA Donor Support Group, we will prioritize coordination, humanitarian diplomacy, protection, improved response to internal displacement and quality funding. We will integrate a gender perspective, and we will always focus on the actual impact in the field – on people’s lives.
We are supporting a humanitarian system more people-centered and localized, responding to the needs identified by those affected themselves. In this we all need to work more closely with peace and development actors.
Let me end by paying tribute to all those on the front line of humanitarian action. To all those from international organizations, local partners and affected communities who put themselves at risk in order to save lives and uphold the dignity of other human beings. Without you, it would not be possible to transform the words we discuss here into concrete action for those in need.
Thank you.