Humanitarian assistance

Norway's humanitarian efforts must be based on humanitarian principles and respond to urgent needs. The purpose must be clearly humanitarian but also be regarded in the context of long-term development and peace efforts to ensure a comprehensive Norwegian effort.

Norway will contribute to improving the global humanitarian system. Norway will work to strengthen humanitarian efforts and reduce the funding gap through efficiency, innovation and strengthened local humanitarian response. We must be a driving force for strengthening preparedness and action ahead of expected crises. Norway shall contribute to early reconstruction and sustainable solutions in long-term humanitarian crises, and must select partners working in line with these guidelines.

It is the duty and responsibility of national authorities to protect and assist their own population when it is affected by a humanitarian crisis. The task for the international community and the humanitarian actors is to respond where the authorities cannot or will not protect and assist those who have humanitarian needs. This effort will complement and strengthen local efforts.

Different humanitarian crises require different responses. The humanitarian effort must be adapted to the needs of those affected by the crisis. Norway will work for a rights-based approach where those affected by crises are given greater participation and are included as participants, not just recipients, of humanitarian aid.

Decisions regarding Norwegian humanitarian support must be based on the needs of the affected population, assessment of local capacity, the ability of humanitarian organisations to respond, presence, access, and the commitment of other donors. Norway's decisions will also be made according to which thematic areas and country situations have particular priority from the Norwegian side, and where our efforts can add value.

Norway's humanitarian funds will mainly be channeled through the UN, the Red Cross movement, and humanitarian civil society organisations. The partnerships must be equal and ensure an exchange of expertise with local organisations. We must give our partners predictability and flexibility and at the same time set demands for quality and results.

Norway must show openness and willingness to consider new and effective solutions and technologies for strengthening humanitarian efforts. We shall promote a green humanitarian response in order to better integrate environmental and climate considerations into the humanitarian work.

The humanitarian efforts must be further developed by way of knowledge, learning, innovation, and through broad contact with various actors and affected groups. Research-based knowledge and dialogue with expert communities, humanitarian partners, and other countries shall contribute to ensuring that Norwegian humanitarian efforts are best adapted to the challenges of our time.

The principal goals for Norwegian humanitarian efforts:

The humanitarian efforts must save lives, relieve distress, and safeguard people's dignity and rights in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.

People in need must be given the necessary protection and assistance in line with the humanitarian principles. Development, climate, peace and humanitarian efforts must be seen together to reduce humanitarian needs.

We shall be a driving force of locally led response, innovation, and reform. The gender perspective shall be at the basis of all efforts.

In cooperation with others, Norway will prioritize to:

• strengthen protection against harmful effects caused by the use of military force, violence and abuse in armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.
• promote respect for humanitarian law, refugee law, and the human rights.
• fight hunger and strive to avert future hunger crises and the humanitarian consequences of climate change.
• contribute to fast, flexible, and predictable financing of humanitarian efforts.

Contact

For more information, contact the Department for Humanitarian Assistance and Comprehensive Support.