Norway to provide NOK 2,3 billion to alleviate Syria crisis in 2017

Norway’s contribution will   be announced at the Brussels Conference on Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region, which is being held   at ministerial level today. Norway is co-chairing the conference with the EU,   the UN, the UK, Germany, Kuwait and Qatar. Over 70 countries and a number of   UN organisations and NGOs are taking part.

‘The Syria crisis is now in   its seventh year, and it is vital that the international community maintains   its focus on this massive crisis. The conference in Brussels aims to secure   sustained international engagement and support for the humanitarian efforts   and the UN-led process to find political solutions. The support is   particularly important for Syria’s neighbouring countries, which have   received over five million refugees. The refugee crisis is putting an immense   strain on these societies, and the international community must step up its   efforts in the host countries as well as inside Syria,’ said Mr Brende. 

At the donor conference in   London last year, which was held on Norway’s initiative, Norway announced a contribution of NOK 10 billion over a four-year period. By the end   of this year, Norway will have disbursed half of this amount. Norway is   urging other donors to give more.

‘At least 15 % of the   aid from Norway will go to education initiatives. Investing in education is crucial   for the younger generation in Syria. In the time ahead, Norway will also give   priority to humanitarian protection and assistance to displaced women and   girls. We will intensify our efforts in the field of health, especially   relating to reproductive health,’ said Mr Brende.

Norway attaches importance   to taking a long-term approach to aid, and is also providing various forms of   development aid, for example through the World Bank.

‘It is not enough that   people merely survive, they must also have something to live for in the   future. That is why we are increasing our support for clearing mines and explosive   devices, as ISIL has used a large number of these munitions. In many areas,   humanitarian efforts cannot begin – and civilians cannot return to their   homes – until mines and improvised explosives have been cleared,’ said Mr   Brende.

Norway will   continue to support projects that enable civil society groups and women’s   groups from both sides of the conflict to meet and discuss solutions to the   conflict. 

Norway is   providing political and financial support for the work of UN Special Envoy   Staffan de Mistura in connection with the Geneva negotiations. Norway is a   member of the global coalition to counter ISIL, and is contributing in both   civilian and military terms. Norway will also support the new UN panel that   is to assist in investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the most   serious crimes under international law committed in Syria.

Source: www.regjeringen.no