Norway was one of the first countries that expressed support for the Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organisations.
The International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), took the initiative to create the Charter. It has been signed by more then 190 organizations. After the USA and Switzerland, Norway is the third country that has formally supported the Charter.
‘In the years ahead, the changing climate will drive an increase in the number of humanitarian crises occurring at the same time. We support the Charter because we recognize how important it is for people to be less vulnerable and reduce the effects of climate change. These are important elements of Norway’s humanitarian strategy,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.
The Charter was created by and for humanitarian organizations. States and other stakeholders may also support the initiative. The Charter includes seven high-level commitments to humanitarian action in response the current climate crisis and other environmental crises. You can find out more about the Charter at the website. The climate and environmental charter for humanitarian organisations.
Norway is one country that provides non-earmarked assistance to humanitarian organizations. This is to allow them to take preventive action in the event of natural disasters. Norway is also a major donor country, providing support for early warning systems and climate change adaptation. Climate change adaptation is vital for maintaining viable communities under changing climates, especially in developing nations.
‘Green response is a priority of Norway’s humanitarian strategy and an important part of the ‘do no harm’ approach that is the basis of our humanitarian engagement. In the time ahead, we must look at how we can play a part in putting the Charter’s principles into practice and continue to reduce the climate and environmental footprint of humanitarian action supported by Norway,’ said the Foreign Minister.
The ICRC/IFRC have a network of national societies in more that 190 countries around the world and play a key part in the broad-based, collective effort to make progress in climate and environmental issues.
