The Norwegian development assistance to Eritrea is focusing on contributing to;
• Institutional Capacity,
• Social and Cultural Rights,
• Environment and natural resource management
The support is a combination of various initiatives channelled through bilateral co-operation, support through UN agencies and through Norwegian civil society organisations. Emergency assistance is also included in the overall assistance.
Norway has a long history of supporting gender rights, and promotes these in Eritrea. Norwegian Church Aid has played a central role in developing methods to prevent Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in implementing projects and co-operating with partners who support the same initiatives.
The total Norwegian assistance to Eritrea in 2010 was approximately NOK 60 mill. Most of the assistance to Eritrea is administered by the Norwegian Embassy in Asmara. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs administers the funds for humanitarian assistance, and Norad administers funds for Norwegian NGOs.