Standing by our values

Norwegian People's Aid recently made the difficult decision to decline 400 million Norwegian Kroner (NOK) in annual funding from the U.S. Department of State. The new funding conditions would have required us to accept restrictions that extend beyond U.S.-funded programmes and affect our broader work on equality, diversity, and human rights.

We have received an overwhelming response from people who want to support Norwegian People's Aid. Many have chosen to become members, send messages of encouragement, or make a contribution to our work. We are deeply grateful for this support.

Why did we decline US-funding?

This decision carries significant consequences for our organisation, our employees, and our international programmes. The funding has for many years supported life-saving landmine clearance and disarmament work in some of the world's most conflict-affected communities.

The new requirements introduced by the United States include restrictions related to work on gender equality, diversity, and abortion. Had we accepted these conditions, they would have affected who we are able to work with, which rights we can advocate for, and how we carry out our work both internationally and in Norway. For Norwegian People's Aid, equality, human dignity, and diversity are not negotiable.

Norwegian People's Aid works closely with organisations that promote women's rights, participation, and gender equality, organisations representing sexual minorities, and groups supporting people affected by gender-based violence. We believe this work is a natural and essential part of the broader struggle for democracy, human rights, and equal dignity for all. For that reason, it was not possible for us to accept these conditions.

Despite these challenges, Norwegian People's Aid remains a major global actor in humanitarian mine action. Much of our life-saving work will continue, and we are working actively to secure alternative funding so that communities affected by war, and people who are facing injustice, can continue to receive support.

How can you support our work?

Many people have asked how they can help. While membership and long-term support remain vital to our work, we are also grateful for those who wish to make a donation to support our humanitarian and human rights work.