Statement by Ms. Riia Salsa,
Deputy Permanent Representative of the Republic ofEstonia to UN Office at Geneva
Meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee of the GeneralAssembly for the Announcement of Voluntary Contributions to the High Commissioner’sProgramme for 2018
Genf, 5 detsember 2017
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MrChairperson, High Commissioner, dear colleagues,
Estonia highly appreciates theUNHCR’s work around the globe and UNHCR’s response to acute and protractedsituations of forced displacement in many complex humanitarian settings.
Allowme to thank UNHCR for the detailed information presented in the Global Appeal 2018-2019that gives comprehensive overview of the state of the humanitarian landscape andresources needed by UNHCR to protect and assist the forcibly displaced andother people of concern.
Estonia supports the strategic priorities of UNHCR and commendsthe effectiveness of the organisation in fulfilling its important humanitarian mandate.2017 underlined once again the need for global engagement, predictable andcollaborative response based on international solidarity. Estonia is engaged insharing the responsibility and supporting UNHCR in its central role in safeguardingthe international refugee protection regime and shaping the Global Compact onRefugees.
UNHCRhas been for many years one of my Governments main international humanitarianpartners. Today, I wish to announce an unearmarked contribution of 100 000euros to support the activities of UNHCR in 2018. This constitutes an increaseby 25% of Estonia’s unearmarked funding to UNHCR. The amount has already beendisbursed. Apart of this contribution, Estonia continues to support variousUNHCR operations throughout the year.
Finally,allow me to pay tribute to UNHCR’s dedicated staff who often carries out itsvaluable humanitarian work in challenging conditions and environment.
Ithank you for your attention!