NOK 300 million in additional emergency funds for people affected by crisis and conflict

The funds will be allocated to three things: humanitarian programmes by Norwegian organisations who have been affected by cuts;  UN efforts to protect against sexualised and gender-based violence; and support to critical shared services in the humanitarian system, in order 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 mobilise large-scale emergency aid operations to save lives and protect against violence and abuse during times of war and crisis. Norwegian organisations play a key role in this work. Critical programmes 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. 

🔗Read the press release from the Norwegian government

“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 with an aim to make a difference for those who need it the most,” explains Erik Abild, Director of Humanitarian Assistance and Comprehensive Response at Norad.  

Call for proposals for Norwegian partner organisations  

At least NOK 220 million will be announced through a call for proposals to Norwegian Strategic Humanitarian Partner Organisations  whose activities have been affected by the US aid freeze. These funds will, among other things, be earmarked for the protection of displaced people, children and young people, as well as protection against landmines and other explosives. 

NOK 40 million is allocated to international efforts by the UN to combat sexualised and gender-based violence and for sexual and reproductive health during humanitarian crises. This is in addition to the Norwegian aid budget already allocated for this purpose.  

A further NOK 40 million will be allocated for important common services in the humanitarian system. This could include logistics, data collection and analysis capacity, all of which are important to ensure that  those with the greatest need receive expedient and appropriate support.