STATEMENT
International Organisation for Migration,
114th Council Session 27-29 November 2023
Item 12 General Debate – Norway Statement
Intervention by Special Envoy Kaia Bilton on behalf of Norway
Check against delivery
29 November 2024
Chair, Director General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,
Norway is proud to be a committed partner to the IOM, an organization with increased reach, influence and importance to migrants - all over the world.
At this first Council session since her election, let me congratulate Amy Pope on assuming her role as Director General. We have full confidence in her leadership and believe that under her guidance, the IOM will continue to excel in its mission. We look forward to the appointments of Deputy Director Generals in the months to come.
It is evident to us all that the coming year will be demanding, with escalating humanitarian needs stemming from climate change, food insecurity and conflict. The deplorable situation in Gaza is only one example. We have taken note of IOM’s record high budget for 2024. While this reflects the growing humanitarian needs, it also demonstrates that the IOM is an agile, efficient and capable humanitarian partner to your donors.
Norway remains committed to providing unearmarked support, to provide continuity, predictability, and flexibility. We are also particularly dedicated to the partnership we share in the humanitarian field. This year we have provided substantial humanitarian support to protracted displacement situations such as in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen, supported durable solutions for IDPs in Iraq, and responded to new crises such as the earthquake in Türkiye and the Kakhovka dam destruction in Ukraine.
We welcome the Director General’s update on IOM’s involvement in the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, a priority area also for the government of Norway. We salute IOM’s continued efforts to strengthen alignment and cooperation with your sister UN
organisations, in particular the UNHCR. Norway appreciates your focus on evidence-based policy development, among others by strengthening the Global Data Centre and establishing the GenMig initiative.
Norway recognizes our obligation under the Global Compact for Migration to facilitate legal pathways and inclusion of migrants into society, as well as the imperative for us to practice effective return policies in order to deter irregular migration.
Our government has initiated programs addressing support for displaced populations, migrants and their host communities simultaneously, reflecting our commitment to building resilience and sustainable livelihoods that provide for durable solutions. In turn, we hope to contribute to a decrease in forced displacement, and an increase in fruitful, regular human mobility.
Thank you