UNHCR Standing Committee 97
Agenda item 2 - Management, financial control,
administrative oversight and human resources.
Statement delivered by Mr. Svenn Wroldsen,
First Secretary, the permanent Mission of Norway.
8. September 2029
Check against delivery
Thank you, Chair.
Let me use this opportunity to warmly welcome Assistant High Commissioners Edem Wosornu and Antón Leis Garcia. We are confident that they will provide leadership and fresh perspectives to the organization at this critical time, and look forward to working with them.
Norway welcomes the positive findings across the oversight reports. We note that the Board of Auditors has once again issued a clean audit opinion and that progress has been made in implementing previous audit recommendations. We also appreciate the assessments provided by OIOS and IAOC, which recognize UNHCR’s efforts to navigate an exceptionally challenging financial environment while maintaining its core mandate.
At the same time, all three oversight bodies point to risks associated with the scale of the ongoing restructuring. Norway shares concerns regarding the cumulative impact of staffing reductions on internal controls, independent oversight functions and broader organizational capacity. Continued attention to risk management, internal control systems and the timely follow-up of audit and evaluation recommendations will therefore be essential. We would welcome further clarity on how UNHCR intends to safeguard adequate capacity for independent oversight, internal audit and risk management in the years ahead.
Norway supports UNHCR’s efforts to adapt to a fundamentally changed financial reality and welcomes the reform priorities emerging from the management review process. We note the organization’s efforts to become leaner, more focused and more field-oriented, while strengthening its ability to deliver on its core protection mandate. As UNHCR moves into the implementation phase of these reforms, coherence with broader UN reform efforts, including UN80 and the Humanitarian Reset, will be important. This is particularly relevant where investments are made in new systems, digital solutions and organizational infrastructure, where greater alignment across the UN system can help maximize efficiency and impact.
Norway also wishes to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of UNHCR staff throughout this period of transition. The scale of the workforce reductions and restructuring processes has placed considerable strain on staff across the organization. As reforms are implemented, it will be important to preserve critical expertise, maintain operational capacity and ensure that staff continue to be treated with transparency, predictability and adequate support.
Norway remains committed to supporting a transparent, accountable and effective UNHCR.
Thank you.