Madame Chairperson,
We thank the chair for this important and timely security dialogue, and the speakers for their insightful presentations.
In Norway, the understanding of the long-term effects on both individuals and society of engagement in conflict zones, has increased in the last decades. The realisation that most veterans are an immense resource, while at the same time facing extraordinary challenges, has prompted the development of legislation, insurance and support programs. Thereby the use of the competencies of veterans, both in general and inside the armed forces, can be utilised. The service provided towards our veterans -pre-during and post-operation has been promoted.
Based on our experience, I would like to highlight three points. Firstly, the importance of making veteran affairs an all government issue - not only a military issue. In Norway this is institutionalized through a governmental action plan involving and committing all ministries. The issue is also promoted through examples set by national leaders.
Secondly, the importance of involving relatives and communities around the veterans, both before their deployment and during and after operations. This is an especially important part of preventive efforts.
Thirdly, a well-functioning support system for the adverse effects veterans suffer socially, economically, and medically are crucial.
We honor the work of Superhumans in Ukraine and see their effort as crucial in these difficult times. Support to rehabilitation of Ukrainian veterans is one of the areas where Norway provides both financial and in-kind support, and we will designate veteran support as a national priority for Norway through the Nansen programme. The Norwegian Red Cross also supports several Ukrainian Red Cross rehabilitation initiatives. Norway and Ukraine jointly operate two mobile rehabilitation units for veteran support, which have been functioning as a pilot. The early outcomes are promising. Let me also underline how much we can earn from the Ukrainian experience.
These efforts become increasingly relevant as veteran numbers rise, and the war of aggression waged by the Russian federation on the sovereign state of Ukraine continues unabatedly.
Norway is fully committed to stand by Ukraine until a just and lasting peace has been achieved. A strong and lasting peace will not be achieved without Ukraine at the forefront of the peace process and without being in line with international humanitarian law and the UN Charter. We greatly admire the determination and resilience shown by Ukrainians in the face of the ongoing aggression against their country. We are ready to support Ukraine in the reintegration and rehabilitation of their brave soldiers. Norway remains and will remain committed to supporting Ukraine militarily, economically and humanitarianly.