In response to critical cuts in international aid, Norway has decided to allocate at least an additional NOK 300 million to people affected by crisis and conflict. The funds will be managed by Norad.
The funds will be allocated to three things: humanitarian programs by Norwegian organizations that have been affected by cuts; UN efforts to protect against sexualized and gender-based violence; and support to critical shared services in the humanitarian system, to ensure that limited resources are used as efficiently as possible, and that it reaches those most in need.
“International humanitarian response led by the UN have saved millions of lives in recent decades. This is a system able to rapidly mobilize large-scale emergency aid operations to save lives and protect against violence and abuse during times of war and crisis. Norwegian organizations play a key role in this work. Critical programs are now being scaled back due to major cuts. Norway will therefore contribute additional funding to ensure that some of those with the greatest needs can still receive support,” says Åsmund Aukrust, Norwegian Minister of International Development.
The humanitarian sector has been very hard hit by the cuts to the US aid budget. Globally, the USA has accounted for around 40 per cent of financing for humanitarian aid and, in many cases, funding disappeared immediately. Other important donors have also reduced their aid budgets or indicated that they will do so.
See also: 🔴 LIVE UPDATES | U.S. executive order on foreign aid pause and its impact
“When rich countries reduce aid, it is some of our most vulnerable fellow human beings who are hit first and hardest. For Norway, it is important to be a reliable partner. That is why most of the aid we provide is predictable and flexible so that organizations on the ground can prioritize where the needs are greatest. Norway cannot meet all new gaps, but we are now stepping up to provide additional support to make a difference for those who need it the most,” explains Erik Abild, Director of Humanitarian Assistance and Comprehensive Response at Norad.
