Norway stopped helping Ukrainian refugees for the first time in history: why it happened
Aid to Ukrainian refugees abroad is critically important during the war. Millions of people have been forced to leave their homes, and many of them rely on the support of international humanitarian organizations. One of the most important countries that helped Ukrainians was Norway, which provided financial, social and humanitarian aid through its programs. However, it became known that for the first time in history, Norway is suspending humanitarian support for the needy from 20 countries, including Ukraine. This could have catastrophic consequences for thousands of Ukrainians who find themselves in a difficult situation without access to the necessary resources.
Reasons for stopping assistance
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) officially stated, which is ceasing aid due to lack of funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision was a blow to thousands of Ukrainians living in front-line communities, because previously 57,000 people received support in the form of heating and food products. Without it, many families faced the threat of survival.
In addition to Ukraine, aid has also been suspended in a number of African countries where the NRC supported women and girls suffering from violence following the withdrawal of US and NATO troops in 2021. Mass reductions in the organization’s employees around the world can further complicate the situation.
In total, last year USAID funded the NRC in the amount of $150 million, which was almost 20% of the entire budget of the organization. The loss of these funds will lead to the closure of many programs that previously provided assistance to the most vulnerable categories of the population.
Consequences for Ukrainian refugees
Cancellation of funding has serious consequences for Ukrainian citizens. This especially applies to those who remained in the front-line areas and do not have the opportunity to provide themselves with the most necessary things. Humanitarian aid has played a key role in providing food, medicine and shelter to people who have lost everything due to war.
If funding is not restored, it could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and other countries where the NRC has provided assistance. Norway, which has long supported humanitarian programs, now faces challenges in maintaining its global mission.
Prospects for recovery of support
USAID is the largest donor in the world, and in 2023, the United States committed $72 billion in aid worldwide. However, funding priorities are now changing, resulting in program cuts.
Despite the difficult situation, the international community can intervene in the process and find other sources of funding to support Ukrainian refugees. It is important that both governments and private charities pay attention to the problem and do everything possible to solve it.
