Norway to double support to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund

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‘Norway will double its funding to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund under the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement next year, and will allocate a total of NOK 50 million,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt.

Ms Huitfeldt announced the increase in funding to the Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) at the DREF Pledging Conference today. The DREF supports operations carried out by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

‘When a natural disaster or crisis strikes, a rapid, local response is the most effective way to help. The DREF enables local Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to provide immediate aid to those who need it most,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.

Since it was established in 1985, the DREF has provided support to more than 200 million people affected by crises worldwide.

‘The additional funding from Norway will help to facilitate a more flexible local humanitarian response, both before and after a disaster occurs. The local humanitarian actors have the best understanding of what the people need. They know what should be given priority in an emergency situation,’ said Ms Huitfeldt.