STATEMENT
International Organisation for Migration,
115th Council Session 26-28 November 2024
Item 12 - General Debate
Statement by Norway delivered by Mr Tormod C. Endresen Ambassador,
Permanent Representative to the UN and other International Organizations
Check against delivery
28 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. This year has been deeply challenging for human mobility and for the humanitarian sector more broadly. Armed conflicts on all continents have triggered a steep increase in humanitarian crises and millions of displaced. Climate change further exacerbates the situation.
Norway remains committed to providing unearmarked support, to provide continuity, predictability, and flexibility. We are also 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, Yemen and for the Rohingyas.
We have taken note of IOM’s record high budget for 2025. This reflects both the growing needs of IOM’s services, but also demonstrates that IOM continues to deliver as a key partner across the complicated field of human mobility. At the same time, we underline the importance of IOM adapting to its rapid growth by reinforcing robust management, oversight and transparency structures. This is particularly important as the organization continues to operate in contexts with high operational and financial risk. Norway underlines our zero tolerance to financial irregularities. We appreciate being kept informed about such cases, along the principle of “no surprises”, and we expect reports of financial irregularities to be thoroughly investigated.
We welcome IOM’s involvement in the Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, as we are reaching the end of the mandate of Special Advisor Robert Piper. 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. We appreciate IOM’s efforts to ensure gender equality and inclusion within the organization.
Norway recognizes our obligation under the Global Compact for Migration to facilitate legal pathways and inclusion of migrants into society. It is equally important to underline the cooperation on 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.