STATEMENT
UNHCR Standing Committee: 91st Session, 12-13 September 2024
Agenda Item 2b - Programme budgets and funding.
Statement by Norway delivered by Svenn Wroldsen, First Secretary, the Permanent Mission of Norway
Check against delivery
12 September 2024
We thank UNHCR for their draft programme budget for 2025 and ACABQ for their consideration and comments of the budget proposal.
Norway recognizes the extraordinary challenges UNHCR are facing as the needs of the displaced continue to far outstrip funding. We need to address these challenges faced by UNHCR and other humanitarian partners.
We are glad to note that UNHCR are actively delivering on its core mandate and strategy to the extent possible. We pay tribute to UNHCR’s “whole of route” approach. Protection of the forcibly displaced and stateless must continue to be prioritized, including responding to sexual and gender-based violence and child protection. We have noted in this regard a suggested 7 percent reduction in the budget for child protection and would appreciate information on the rationale for this.
Norway supports the UNHCR’s gradual shift towards activities in support of self-reliance, inclusion and solutions for the forcibly displaced. We encourage UNCHR to enhance cooperation with relevant authorities, the affected displaced population, host communities, and development actors to gain leverage with these efforts. We look forward to learning more of these partnerships and platforms of cooperation.
We share the UNHCR’s concern regarding the funding gap. We encourage UNHCR to intensify its efforts to diversify funding sources and increase the quality of funding. Norway continues to contribute with unearmarked, multiyear funding and we encourage other donors to join us in ensuring financial flexibility and predictability for UNHCR.
As highlighted in ACABCs report, Norway takes note of the suggested increase in HQ resources compared to a decrease in country and regional programmes. The explanation given by UNHCR seems reasonable. We will keep a close track on results gained on efficiency of management and administration to ensure more resources to field operations.
We take note of the changes made with reference to the workforce at UNHCR, including the reduction in the number of posts. Understandably this is challenging for the organization. We trust that UNHCR will move forward with internal restructuring in an inclusive and transparent manner,
by focusing on a good work environment. For future changes of the workforce, we encourage UNHCR to improve both geographical representation and reaching gender parity. Norway would like to pay tribute to UNHCR staff for their dedication and their willingness to “stay and deliver”, often under highly challenging circumstances.
With these comments, Norway is supportive of the annual programme budget for 2025.
Thank you.