Statement from the Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) Secretary General Jan Egeland regarding the Norwegian government’s proposed state budget for 2027:
“It is surprising and disappointing that the Norwegian government is failing to meet the longstanding target of allocating one per cent of Gross National Income to international aid at a time when needs are record high and Norway’s revenues are rising. This budget proposal sends the wrong signal in a time when other donors seem to be in a race to the bottom in international solidarity.
“Over the last two years, as one after another of the world’s biggest humanitarian donors have announced devastating cuts, Norway remained steadfast in its delivery of aid.
“Global aid cuts mean millions of people displaced by brutal wars are being left without shelter, while food rations and access to education are being drastically reduced. At the same time, Norway is wealthier than ever before; we can and should contribute in line with our long and proud humanitarian tradition.
“Norway must not join the US, the UK, Germany and others in reducing support to the world’s most vulnerable. NRC calls on the Norwegian Parliament to increase budget allocations to equal one per cent of Gross National Income and prioritise emergency aids for the people who need it most.”
Note to editors:
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The Norwegian government proposes spending 0.93 per cent of Gross National Income on aid—well below the 1 per cent target enshrined in the Labour Party’s platform.
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This comes at a time when the United States and many European countries have cut their aid budgets, leading to a reduction of humanitarian support for people in need. Nine months into the year, 42 per cent of needed aid funding has been delivered globally, meaning millions will be left without support (OCHA).
For more information or to arrange an interview:
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NRC media team: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329
