UNHCR Standing Committee: 96th Session, 16 – 18 June 2026 17. Jun 2026 UNHCR Standing Committee: 96th Session. Item 2: a. Note on international protection. Norway (16.06.2026) Protection lies at the heart of the Convention and of UNHCR’s mandate. It is also a key priority for Norway. Even under severe financial pressure, UNHCR must continue to prioritize protection. We are particularly concerned about the impact of cuts in the field of child protection and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence.