STATEMENT
UNHCR Standing Committee: 92nd Session, 11-13 March 2025
3a, I - Regional update on East Africa, HoA and the Great Lakes
Statement by Norway delivered by Ms Therese Johansen,
Senior Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway
Check against delivery
11 March 2025
We thank UNHCR for the update.
Norway commends UNHCR for their efforts in enhancing protection response and assistance to the many people on the move in an increasingly volatile region.
SUDAN
The humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Sudan are alarming. It is currently the largest internal displacement situation in the world, and one of the fastest-growing displacement crises overall. While other crises are getting headlines, we cannot ignore what is happening in Sudan. Sudan is also the world’s largest hunger crisis.. It is particularly concerning that restrictions on humanitarian access continue to be a major challenge in Sudan. If not dealt with, this will lead to further displacement and humanitarian suffering. Furthermore, new streams of refugees into existing vulnerable situations in the neighboring countries, with risk of further regional destabilization.
Unrestricted humanitarian access (cross line and cross border) is urgently needed. The responsibility to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate access falls on the parties to the conflict. Humanitarian diplomacy is needed to push for the opening of more supply lines for emergency aid to reach the many civilians in need of assistance.
We are appalled by continued reports of systematic conflict-related sexual violence in Sudan. Urgent efforts are needed to prevent CRSV/SGBV and to offer protection and support to survivors. We emphasize the importance of close cooperation among humanitarian organizations to prioritize this and other protection concerns.
For the overall situation in this region, Norway commend the UNHCR’s leadership in addressing sustainable solutions to protracted refugee crises. Close cooperation with governments and subregional organizations such as IGAD and
the East African Community (EAC) is important to support their approach to freedom of movement, enable economic inclusion and livelihoods for refugees.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo situation
Norway is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in eastern DRC. The offensive of the armed group M23, supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces, has deepened the already disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
As the M23 continues its advance, more people are forced to flee. The areas where displaced are fleeing or returning to, are often already heavily impacted by conflict. The growing number of displaced and returnees will further strain limited resources and services, heightening the risk of tensions between communities and increased protection concerns.
Humanitarian operations have been hindered by hostilities and additional factors. We are alarmed by reports of widespread use of sexual and gender-based violence, forced recruitment, recruitment and use of child soldiers, and extrajudicial executions. Displaced persons are particularly vulnerable.
This must stop. Parties to conflict must abide by their obligations under IHL: Civilians must be protected.
--- Allow me to dwell for a moment on the topic of SGBV. We know that the vulnerability of individuals can be compounded by the intersectionality of their gender, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and disabilities.
We also know that SGBV increases in crises. It is a pervasive and life-threatening health, human rights and protection issue. Addressing sexual and gender-based violence is not a stand-alone issue. Protecting those at risk and assisting survivors of SGBV must be front and center in the humanitarian response. Survivors need access to life-saving services such as mental health and psychosocial support and sexual and reproductive health. This is severely jeopardized by recent funding
cuts from major donors. The life and dignity of millions of women and girls are at stake.
Norway will continue to keep SGBV high on the agenda. We remain a substantial donor, and we will continue to be a strong advocate for GBV prevention and response through our leadership of the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence –where UNHCR is a valued member.
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Unfortunately, North and South Kivu are not the only provinces in the DRC marked by conflict. Even though the military offensive of M23 is at the center of our attention, there are many more armed groups causing insecurity and displacements.
We commend UNHCR for assisting the almost 1 million Congolese seeking safety in neighboring countries, and the more than half a million refugees that DRC is hosting.
Humanitarian assistance is essential to save lives. However, it is not a solution. We need to continue to pursue peaceful and durable political solutions to the conflicts in eastern Congo. And we must continue to insist that the M23 stop its advances and withdraw immediately, and that Rwanda cease its support.
w are UNHCR operations impacted by the current situation, including the lack of humanitarian access and current financial situation?