It is good that the government is delivering on its promise of 1 percent of gross national income for aid in the revised national budget. But it is still too little to cover record-high humanitarian needs.

In the revised budget, the government proposes a record-breaking development aid budget of NOK 58.5 billion, an increase of NOK 1.8 billion from the previous year. The money will, among other things, cover expenses related to the settlement of Ukrainian refugees.

– The government is delivering on its promise of 1 percent for aid in the revised budget, and is showing that it is taking responsibility after falling short the previous year. But it is still Ukraine and Norway that will be the largest recipients of Norwegian aid. Priorities in the immediate area are at the expense of the world's poorest people again this year. This is too unambitious when global humanitarian needs are at record highs.

Martha R. Skretteberg, Secretary General of Caritas Norway

According to the World Food Programme, 258 million people live on the brink of hunger. The UN estimates that 339 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection by 2023.

– The humanitarian suffering caused by the war has an enormous cost, also economically. The need for aid has never been greater, and will be so for several years to come. Global unrest requires increased investments that contribute to a more stable world. As a small country in the North, it is in our own interest.

Martha R. Skretteberg, Secretary General of Caritas Norway

The government proposes to shift responsibility for humanitarian assistance from the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Minister of International Development.

– It is an interesting move to create a more holistic effort at a time when needs are increasing.

Martha R. Skretteberg, Secretary General of Caritas Norway