Mr chair,
Let me begin by thanking you for the interesting programme, high-level panels and side events this week. Norway supports the overarching theme for this year’s humanitarian affairs segment and agrees that the challenges we need to address are indeed unprecedented.
In this regard I would like to highlight four points:
First, the main obstacle to reaching people in need with principled humanitarian assistance is the lack of political will to uphold international humanitarian law and facilitate access. To overcome this, we need the strong leadership and voice of the United Nations, of humanitarian organisations, and of member states.
Chair,
This is a responsibility that lies on us all. Norway urges all member states to ensure compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
Second, reform of the UN and of the humanitarian system must accelerate. We recognize that a lot of progress has been made, and that organisations have gone through painful restructuring processes at the same time as they continue to deliver for people in need – and we thank you for this.
Still, at country level we need to see more collaboration. We expect full support for the humanitarian reset and the empowered RC/HCs to implement the changes that must happen. And we expect radical transparency from UN agencies and humanitarian organisations on progress, and clarity on what you need from member states and donors.
Third, we must improve the quality of humanitarian funding. We welcome recent contributions to OCHA’s pooled funds and value mechanisms such as CERF and DREF. But for such funding to be able to reach those in need, a system must already be in place.
Core funding is an enabler of humanitarian action. Unearmarked and direct funding to UN agencies, to the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement and to international and local NGOs is a necessary part of the burden-sharing approach we all must be a part of.
Fourth, humanitarian action must be inclusive and gender-responsive. Effective protection and assistance require addressing the specific needs of women and girls, LGBTQI+ persons, and persons with disabilities.
Thank you.