STATEMENT
UNHCR Standing Committee: 90th Session, 1-3 July 2024
Agenda Item 3a - Note on International Protection.
Statement by Norway
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2 July 2024
Thank you for your briefing on international protection. Norway expresses our unwavering support for UNHCR and of its protection mandate.
We note yet again an alarming increase in the numbers of forcibly displaced, mainly caused by violent conflicts. The deeply destructive conflict in Sudan is one of several examples, where restrictions of humanitarian access and failure to respect International Humanitarian Law is of great concern.
The increased funding gap and complex displacement and migration contexts makes it more urgent in finding new ways for humanitarian, development and peace actors to work together. In doing so they all need to include protection of people affected by conflict and crisis.
We applaud the continued partnership between UNHCR, the World Bank and other development agencies. Of particularly importance is the continued collaboration with IOM with regard to mixed migration flows.
We thank host countries for their generosity in receiving forcibly displaced persons. Norway provides unearmarked funding for UNHCR in part to help alleviate this burden and continues with resettlement of refugees. We call on more countries to follow suit.
Norway also welcomes the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum. Norway will be partly bound by the regulations.
Chair,
In May, the Norwegian Government launched a new humanitarian strategy. As the strategy clearly states, protection of civilians remains a key priority for us. We place particular emphasis on combatting sexual and gender-based violence, the protection of children and young people and the protection of refugees and internally displaced people.
The humanitarian strategy is in line with the Norwegian government’s action plan on Gender and Sexual Diversity for 2023-26. In this we advocate for the equal treatment, non-discrimination and access to tailored protection and support for LGBTIQ+ persons under the mandate of UNHCR.
I thank you.