STATEMENT
UNHCR 93rd meeting of the Standing Committee.
Agenda Item 2 - Note on International Protection.
Statement by Norway delivered by Ms Therese Johansen,
Senior Advisor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Norway
Check against delivery
17 June 2025
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. 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.
We are at a time when humanitarian needs are increasing, and funding for humanitarian response has declined dramatically, with immediate consequences for those in need. While we are used to gaps between needs and resources, the gravity of the current situation is unprecedented.
Bold measures are needed, from the humanitarian system, from donors, from governments. We acknowledge the difficult, if not impossible priorities, already being made by UNHCR.
The dramatic increase in the funding gap and complex displacement and migration contexts makes it more urgent to find new ways for humanitarian, development and peace actors to work together.
This type of collaboration is also important to keep in mind with regards to return, repatriation and reintegration. This will for instance be important in the Syrian context. We hope for, and support, a positive development that will allow Syrians to prosper, and enable voluntary returns.
We applaud the continued partnership between UNHCR, the World Bank and other development agencies. Of particular importance is the continued collaboration with IOM with regard to mixed migration flows. Norway supports the routes-based approach with an aim of early intervention.
Norway also acknowledges the progress made by UNHCR on developing the livelihood agenda, and the work for enhanced self-reliance and social inclusion.
We thank the host countries and commend efforts to include refugees in their national systems and development plans. Norway provides unearmarked funding for UNHCR in part to contribute, in solidarity with host countries, and continues with resettlement of refugees. We call on more countries to follow suit. Given the current financial crises this is more important than ever.
Chair,
Protection remains a key priority for Norway. We must ringfence human rights, including women’s rights and gender equality. The centrality of protection must be the core of a reformed humanitarian system. We believe this to be fundamental to ensure a response that is in line with the humanitarian principles and accountable to affected population.
I thank you.