Norway’s peace and reconciliation efforts

Since the early 1990s Norway has played an important role as a facilitator in a number of peace and reconciliation processes. Our efforts have enhanced Norway’s positive image and we have been able to draw on this in other political contexts as well.

Norway’s experience has shown that small countries can play a constructive role in resolving complex armed conflicts, even without the direct involvement of the UN or the major powers. The Norwegian peace efforts are, however, contingent on all the involved parties showing a genuine will to negotiate and on their acceptance of Norway as a facilitator. Norway can offer long-term political and economic involvement, including after a peace agreement has been reached. Close cooperation between Norwegian government authorities, academic institutions and non-governmental humanitarian organisations provides a basis for speedy and flexible assistance.

In the peace processes in Sri Lanka and the Philippines, Norway is the official facilitator of the peace negotiations. Norway’s role is to assist the parties in their efforts to reach a political solution to the conflict. In Sudan Norway is part of a troika supporting the peace process together with the US and the UK. In the Middle East, Norway has taken on a number of supporting roles, including the chairmanship of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee. In Haiti, Norway is playing an active role in facilitating dialogue between the political parties on establishing democratic structures. Norway is also involved is several other peace processes in various ways.

The main share of Norway’s humanitarian assistance is allocated to areas affected by armed conflict. In order to ensure the efficient use of resources, purely humanitarian assistance must be complemented by efforts to promote political solutions to the conflict. Peace and reconciliation efforts are therefore an integral part of Norway’s humanitarian efforts.

In peace processes, transitional assistance is often used in addition to long-term development assistance and humanitarian aid. Norway’s involvement in peace-building requires flexible use of development funds. Funds provided under the allocation for transitional assistance are intended to contribute to peace-building and development in countries that are striving to work their way out of deep-rooted violent conflicts.