As delivered by Minister Counsellor Herborg F. Alvsaaker
Thank you, Chair,
Norway is the pen-holder for the biannual resolution on internal displacement in the UN General Assembly, and we have for a long time followed this issue with great interest and concern.
Chair,
The clustering of internal displacement and extreme poverty is highly prudent. It serves to underscore the fact that internal displacement represents a major international challenge to our common commitments as UN member states, and particularly the 2030 agenda. IDPs are often among the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations at risk. If we are serious about “leaving no one behind”, then IDPs should be a top priority. This also highlights the urgent need for a whole-of-system approach to internal displacement. It is critical that the UN approaches the issue not only from a humanitarian perspective, but also from a development, peace and security and adaptation standpoint.
In conclusion, chair, we encourage the SR to continue her efforts to increase attention and awareness about IDPs, and in particular though joint efforts of the relevant UN agencies.
Thank you.