Iceland signs new multi-year framework agreement with UNHCR

Martin Eyjólfsson, Permanent Secretary, and Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, signed a new multi-year framework agreement outlining Iceland’s continued flexible and predictable financial support to UNHCR. 

The new agreement, signed in Geneva on 25 April, stipulates an annual contribution of at least 200 million ISK in support of UNHCR’s core mandate from 2024 to 2028, more than doubling Iceland’s previous commitments to the Agency. 

“As we continue to witness a rise in forced displacement globally, Iceland’s flexible and predictable funding to UNHCR over the next five years will provide the Agency with vital operational agility to address pressing needs wherever they arise and to assist those most in need with protection, shelter, livelihoods and basic services,” says Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir. 

“I thank Iceland for its longstanding and strong support to UNHCR. The funds will help us better respond to prolonged and sometimes forgotten crises” says the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “Predictable and flexible contributions like these are essential for the people we serve. They allow UNHCR to immediately respond to emergencies and offer better protection and assistance to those most in need.” 

On Tuesday, a new strategic partnership agreement was signed with the World Food Programme. 

The renewal of Iceland’s framework agreements with key humanitarian partners is concurrent with Iceland’s new development cooperation policy for 2024-2028. In addition to the two agreements signed this week, agreements have been finalised in recent months with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations Central Emergency Fund (CERF), the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).