(Check Against Delivery)
Mr Chair,
Let me start by thanking Dr. Kanem for her excellent statement, and congratulate UNFPA on the results they have achieved and the resources mobilised in 2018.
Let me also thank UNFPA for a well-structured report.
Norway is encouraged by UNFPA’s efforts to reach those most marginalised and left behind. At the same time, we note that this is an area that must be strengthened if we are to reach Agenda 2030.
Women and girls’ sexual and reproductive health and rights are basic needs – essential, and often lifesaving.
Still, the day is yet to come when we can celebrate a universal acknowledgement of a woman’s right to life, health and security.
Sexual and gender based violence happens every single day. No exception.
As many of you know, the Governments of Norway, Iraq, Somalia and the United Arab Emirates, together with OCHA, UNFPA and the ICRC, recently hosted an international conference in Oslo on “Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGVB) in Humanitarian Crises”.
The conference brought together SGBV survivors and specialists; members of 167 national and 76 international civil society organizations; the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement; representatives from 100 nations; global leaders and regional and international organizations.
Some 50 States, UN agencies, NGOs and others submitted written political, policy and best practice commitments. Many others outlined specific measures and the political will to end SGBV. States committed to providing a total of more than 363 million US dollars to SGBV prevention and response. On behalf of my government, I would like to thank UNFPA and all participating member states for their valuable contributions.
UNFPA’s work is crucial to the rights and dignity of women and girls, as well as for young people’s health. We are proud to be UNFPA’s biggest core donor this year, and look forward to celebrating ICPD and UNFPA in Nairobi in November.
Safeguarding UNFPA’s normative and global leadership role is critical to Norway.
(Check Against Delivery)