Norway to provide NOK 745 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighbouring countries

Press release | Date: 16/04/2024| Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The UN estimates that nearly 15 million people - 40 % of Ukraine's population - are in need of humanitarian assistance. Norway is now allocating an additional NOK 745 million in support to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries.

'Russia is continuing its brutal war of aggression and the attacks are reaching more and more areas of Ukraine. Here in Odesa the attacks have escalated significantly. The level of destruction and the immense suffering the war is inflicting on the Ukrainian people are devastating to witness. I am moved and impressed by their resilience,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

The Ukrainian population is enduring its third year of war.

'We have a responsibility and an obligation to support the Ukrainian people in their efforts to withstand Russia's attacks and keep society up and running to the greatest extent possible,' Mr Eide said.

Last year, the UN, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and hundreds of other humanitarian aid organisations delivered humanitarian assistance to millions of Ukrainians. The most urgent needs are in the east near the front line and in the west where there is a large number of internally displaced people. Some 3.6 million of the roughly four million internally displaced people are in need of humanitarian support.

Ukraine, the UN and humanitarian aid organisations are deeply concerned. The humanitarian situation is becoming increasingly unpredictable, and humanitarian funding has decreased.

'Ukraine is in an extremely difficult situation. Russia's war continues unabated, infrastructure and buildings must be rebuilt time and time again, and people are being forced to flee from the hostilities that are destroying their homes. The war is having a severe impact on both the economy and the people of Ukraine,' said Mr Eide.

At the same time, as Mr Eide pointed out, there are some bright spots worth noting: local organisations and authorities are collaborating effectively with the major aid organisations through which Norway channels funding under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine, and aid is reaching the people in rural areas of Ukraine.

Norway's support to the UN, the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund (UHF) and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is also used to help fund local Ukrainian organisations and the Ukrainian Red Cross Society.

'Carrying out humanitarian efforts is difficult, and is virtually impossible without the help of local actors, particularly on the front line. Local organisations are among the first to reach the most affected communities and those in greatest need,' said Mr Eide.

The NOK 745 million Norway is now providing will be used to provide life-saving assistance and access to shelter, food, water and sanitation, education and health care for the most vulnerable groups, such as children, refugees and internally displaced persons.

The funding may also be used to help Ukrainians who have fled to neighbouring countries. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 6.3 million people have fled Ukraine. Moldova is one of the countries that has received the most refugees per capita, and Norway has given special priority to providing assistance to Moldova under the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.

Norway's humanitarian support is part of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.