Norway at a glance

Norway is ranked second in the 2008 HRI, with a first place ranking in Pillar 4, second in Pillar 3 and third in Pillar 1. However, Norway did less well with respect to Pillar 5, with a 10th place ranking, and Pillar 2, where the country is ranked 12th. In specific indicators, Norway ranked first in terms of generosity of humanitarian assistance, as well as for indicators on funding and supporting UN coordination mechanisms, and for implementing IHL and refugee law. A 2nd place ranking in multi-year funding is another positive area. Its weakest areas were in the indicators for commitment to ongoing crises, ranked 22nd, and a ranking of 21st in timely funding to sudden onset disasters and IFRC emergency appeals. Norway also did poorly in terms of funding to strengthen local capacity for disaster response and mitigation.

Norway is positively perceived by operational agencies in the field, scoring only just below the average in two questions relating to donor capacity for informed decision-making, and strengthening community disaster preparedness and response capacity. In particular, Norway is perceived as performing well in its support for the role of NGOs, the UN and the ICRC, as well as coordination efforts in the humanitarian system. However, the survey findings also point to a perception that Norway could do better in its efforts to adequately involve beneficiaries in programming and evaluations, as well as supporting local capacity.

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