UNHCR Standing Committee: 95th Session, 24 - 26 March 2026.
UNHCR SC95 Item 7: Oral update on the work of the Inspector General’s Office.
Statement delivered by Mr Svenn WROLDSEN First Secretary, Humanitarian Issues Permanent Mission of Norway.
Check against delivery
26 March 2026
Thank you Chair,
Norway welcomes the update on the work of the Inspector General’s Office.
The IGO plays a key role in maintaining the trust of donors and member states, through its focus on UNHCR’s integrity, transparency and effectiveness. Maintaining adequate resources and independence for the office remains paramount.
We note the significant decrease in the IGO’s budget and staffing during 2025. At the same time, we are encouraged by the significant number of investigative cases opened and finalized as well as the continued focus on pre-emptive and proactive investigative efforts. We applaud the Office’s efforts to ensure effective coordination among internal oversight and integrity functions, and its use of technology, including artificial intelligence, to make up for resource reductions.
Norway strongly supports UNHCR’s continued prioritization of complaints concerning sexual misconduct. We note with concern the increased risk of sexual exploitation and abuse reported in 2025, as well as UNHCR’s reduced capacity to prevent and respond to sexual misconduct. Maintaining a victim-centered approach and ensuring continued assistance to victims must remain a cornerstone of UNHCR’s work. We strongly support UNHCR’s efforts to further integrate PSEAH into its institutional structures, in its work with partners, including local partners, and through its interagency engagement.
Let me conclude by thanking UNHCR for its continued high level of transparency, including through its regular briefings on integrity issues to member states. These are greatly valued and critical to allow for the continued support to the organization.
I thank you.