UNHCR ExCom 76 Session, October 2025
Statement by Norway delivered by Ambassador Mr. Tormod C. ENDRESEN
Check against delivery
08 October 2025
Thank you chair, High Commissioner, distinguished colleagues,
Norway aligns with the statement of the likeminded European member states.
Norway stands here today with a deep respect for UNHCR’s mandate and unwavering solidarity with those forced to flee. As High Commissioner Grandi reminded us, multilateralism is under pressure yet has never been more essential.
In a world marked by instability and growing displacement, it is imperative that we reaffirm our collective commitment to international law and principled humanitarian action. In this, UNHCR remains as relevant as ever, 75 years after its founding.
We echo the concerns about the unprecedented financial pressure affecting UNHCRs budget. We acknowledge the impossible priorities already being made, and we support the ongoing efforts to find and implement bold measures. Norway particularly appreciates UNHCR’s contributions to rethinking the humanitarian architecture and the wider UN system – through the Humanitarian Reset and the UN80 processes. We are ready to join forces to support a leaner, smarter and more efficient UN.
Chair,
We continue to see armed conflicts on all continents resulting in large-scale displacement. The devastating war in Sudan has resulted in the world’s largest displacement crisis, both internally and in the neighbouring countries. In Ukraine, Russia’s illegal war continues unabated, with recent strikes on energy infrastructure threatening millions of civilians as winter approaches. On a more positive note, the situation in Syria offers a glimpse of hope that large scale displacement crises can be overcome if conflict is brought to an end. Norway continues to stress the importance of a comprehensive approach to humanitarian efforts, conflict resolution and peace building and full respect for International Humanitarian Law.
Protection must remain the overarching priority for UNHCR’s work. Addressing the specific vulnerabilities of women, children and young people is crucial.
We are deeply concerned that funding cuts are having a devastating effect on many initiatives to prevent and respond to gender-based violence. Likewise, we stress the importance of protecting LGBTQI+ persons. As cluster lead on protection, UNHCR has a particular responsibility to ensure that protection efforts are not subject to disproportionate cuts.
We are encouraged by the High Commissioners vision of how we together can find practical and innovative approaches, within the current framework, to address the concerns related to the asylum institute. The return of persons without protection needs is important - and challenging. We welcome that UNHCR is engaging in discussions relating to return, including advice on possible approaches and safeguards.
Chair,
Norway strongly supports the Global Compact on Refugees, and the importance of promoting a more equitable burden- and responsibility-sharing.
We will continue to promote and strengthen our own integration policies, aiming at increasing refugees’ participation in society and in the labour market. Inclusion is key, not only for the refugees, but for sustainable societies built on trust, cohesion, and opportunities.
Last, but not least, we welcome the ongoing efforts by UNHCR as part of the Solutions Champions Group on internal displacement. The new institutional set-up shows signs of being a good model for stronger inter-agency cooperation, in line with the ambitions of UN80 and the humanitarian reset.
In conclusion, let me reiterate Norway’s strong support to UNHCR. These are challenging times, and we as states also need to do our part. We encourage all states in position to do so, to exercise good humanitarian donorship by providing predictable funding levels, and limit conditionality, to enable UNHCR to meet the needs of those most vulnerable.
Thank you