Statement by H.E. Ms. Riia Salsa-Audiffren, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN Office at Geneva, at the UNHCR Pledging Conference for 2025, 2 December 2025
Distinguished chair, High Commissioner, dear colleagues,
This year has been challenging for the humanitarian sector, with often impossible choices and many more people unable to get the aid they need. I would like to thank you, High Commissioner, as well as UNHCR staff, for your passion and commitment to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and I would like to pay particular tribute to UNHCR staff and volunteers who have tragically lost their lives in the performance of their duties. Just two weeks ago in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine UNHCR lost a humanitarian colleague in a Russian rocket attack.
Estonia has supported UNHCR for over two decades and will continue to do so. This year in particular, we have heard the call for more flexible funding and need for predictability. Therefore, Estonia has disbursed the unearmarked part of our contribution for 2026 of 70 000 euros already in August this year. Moreover, throughout the coming year, we will look for opportunities to support UNHCR’s activities in acute and protracted crises around the world.
Mr. Chair,
Now more than ever, there is need for sustainable responses to forced displacement agenda. We call on UNHCR to work closely with the humanitarian reset and UN80 reforms process. At the same time, Estonia will stay committed to upholding the global refugee protection system and international safeguards and principles. We are collectively accountable for people in need and with that I would like to reiterate Estonia’s support to UNHCR and its important mandate and work worldwide.
Thank you.