STATEMENT
International Organization for Migration,
112th Council Session 29 November – 1 December 2021
General Debate.
Statement by Norway delivered by Ms. Tine Mørch Smith, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations
Checked and updated against delivery
1 December 2021
Madam Chair,
Let me thank DG Vitorino for his comprehensive report and introductory remarks, extending our warmest congratulations to IOM on its 70th anniversary. IOM has evolved and grown tremendously as an organization in 70 years, while remaining at the center of international migration issues. I extend my gratitude to the leadership and the staff for the impressive way the organization manages to maintain and adapt operations to new challenges.
The drivers of migration are changing; more people are likely to become displaced as the climate changes. The Norwegian government is dedicated to work with the international community to fight the causes of displacement. Norway will scale up its efforts in fragile states, strengthen humanitarian assistance and support the countries with largest refugee populations.
Madam Chair,
We warmly welcome the two new DDGs, and the pertaining new organizational charter. We believe the changes will strengthen IOM’s capacity for strategic results and risk-based management, oversight, and control. We would like to see continued efforts to greening operations. We believe it is important for IOM to stay responsive to member states when developing new policy.
The organizational changes will only be effective if core functions have predictable financing. Therefore, Norway supports the on-going budget reform and will continue our unearmarked funding. We encourage other donors to consider flexible support, and reiterate that the time has come to leave the zero-nominal-growth policy behind.
Norway appreciates the significant progress made in repositioning the UN Development System. We urge IOM to make sure adherence to the agreed reforms, including harmonizing its policies and procedures and alignment of country programmes with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, which also covers cross-border issues.
Madam Chair,
We thank IOM for a new edition of the World Migration Report. Norway strongly encourages IOM to emphasize the collection and use of sex- and age- disaggregated data to adapt programming to the specific needs of women, girls, boys and men. Norway takes part in the implementation of the Global Compact for Migration, in particular with a view to improving migration management, stemming irregular migration, protect the human rights of migrants and provide safe and legal pathways for migration. We are looking forward to the first International Migration Review Forum in May 2022.
Urgent action is needed to find durable solutions for the 55 million people who are currently internally displaced. We now have joined forces to implementing the ambitious recommendations set out by the High-level Panel on Internal Displacement. IOM is a key partner in these efforts.
Madam Chair,
Migration will continue to be a major issue in international affairs. We continue to appreciate the valuable work IOM has done to provide assistance and protection to migrants over these past 70 years, and look forward to our continued partnership.
Thank you