OSLO: Norway is providing NOK 40 million in humanitarian assistance to help Ukraine in the present difficult situation, the Ministry of foreign Affairs announced.
‘The humanitarian situation in parts of Ukraine is serious. Five million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, including some 1.5 million internally displaced people. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable in the cold Ukrainian winter. Norway is therefore providing NOK 40 million in humanitarian assistance to help Ukraine in this difficult situation,’ said State Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tore Hattrem.
NOK 20 million of this allocation will go to the Norwegian Refugee Council, which is already engaged in humanitarian efforts in eastern Ukraine. The remaining NOK 20 million will be distributed between the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Halo Trust (mine clearance) and Ocha.
Mr Hattrem is visiting Ukraine from 7 to 9 February. The focus of the visit will be the conflict in the country, the humanitarian situation, and Norway’s support for Ukraine’s reform efforts.
‘The conflict in Ukraine is still very serious. It is crucial that all the parties abide by their commitments and work towards a political solution. This will be my message to the Ukrainian authorities during my visit,’ said Mr Hattrem.
In Kyiv, Mr Hattrem will have meetings with representatives of the Ukrainian authorities and civil society, as well as representatives of Norwegian and international organisations. Many of these organisations receive support from Norway, and the visit will also form part of the follow up of the Government’s support package to Ukraine, which was launched by Prime Minister Erna Solberg during her visit to Kyiv in November 2014.
‘Norway intends to be a reliable long-term partner for Ukraine. Nevertheless, our support is not unconditional. The future of Ukraine depends on it being able to implement far-reaching reforms. This is difficult in any situation, but particularly so when a country is facing armed aggression. Ukraine needs our support, but we must also set clear requirements for results,’ said Mr Hattrem
