Norway contributes NOK 45 million to advance Human Rights and Gender Equality in Somalia

Mogadishu, 14 October 2025: The Government of Norway has announced a new contribution of 45 million Norwegian Kroner (4.5 million USD) to the Somalia Joint Fund’s Human Rights and Gender Window, reaffirming Norway’s steadfast commitment to promoting gender equality, human rights, and inclusive governance in Somalia.

The support will enable the United Nations, in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, to sustain critical investments in gender equality, women’s empowerment, human rights protection, and institutional reforms at a pivotal time in Somalia’s peacebuilding and state-building process. The contribution comes as the UN and Somali authorities work closely to ensure a smooth transition from the UN Transition Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), with strong national ownership and continued attention to human rights and gender mainstreaming.

“The protection and promotion of human rights, and the empowerment of women and girls, are cornerstones of sustainable peace and development,” said Merete Dyrud, Norway’s Chargé d'affaires to Somalia. “Through our partnership with the United Nations and the Government of Somalia, we aim to strengthen national institutions and civil society actors driving this change.”

H.E. Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah, Minister of Planning, Investment, and Economic Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, expressed appreciation for the contribution, stating:

“Human rights and gender equality are essential to Somalia’s National Transformation Plan and to our shared vision of inclusive development. The Somalia Joint Fund significantly contributes by coordinating international support to these priorities, helping government institutions achieve meaningful progress for all Somalis.”

The Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), a multi-donor pooled financing mechanism managed by the UN and the Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, plays a central role in aligning international support with Somalia’s national priorities. Its Human Rights and Gender Window provides flexible, coordinated funding to strengthen national and local capacities for accountability, access to justice, and gender-responsive governance.

“Norway’s continued leadership and trust in the Somalia Joint Fund exemplify the spirit of partnership at the heart of the UN’s cooperation with Somalia,” said George Conway, the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “This contribution will help ensure that the gains made in human rights and gender equality are consolidated and sustained during the transition and anchored in the UN’s new Cooperation Framework that will support implementation of Somalia’s National Transformation Plan.”

The new funding underscores the shared commitment of Norway, the United Nations, and the Government of Somalia to protect human rights, promote gender equality, and build a more inclusive, peaceful, and resilient Somalia. Norway has been a steadfast supporter of the SJF, contributing 45.4 million USD since 2022.