natgillin/translations-raw huggingface dataset:
Assisting a suffering human being, whether a young Al-Shabab fighter or an elderly widow, is universally regarded as a humanitarian deed.
Assisting a suffering human being, whether a young Al-Shabab fighter or an elderly widow, is universally regarded as a humanitarian deed.
The importance attached to assisting other people in hardship is not limited to the Western world and its system of morals.
The importance attached to assisting other people in hardship is not limited to the Western world and its system of morals.
It is also a tenet of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
It is also a tenet of Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism.
We even have a universally adopted UN resolution (46/182) that endorses the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality.
We even have a universally adopted UN resolution (46/182) that endorses the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality.
In reality, though, these principles are violated every day.
In reality, though, these principles are violated every day.
This has been clearly demonstrated in the conflicts in Gaza and Sri Lanka, and is still the case in Darfur, and in other places.
This has been clearly demonstrated in the conflicts in Gaza and Sri Lanka, and is still the case in Darfur, and in other places.
We must not allow the humanitarian principles to be perceived as part of a “Western agenda”.
We must not allow the humanitarian principles to be perceived as part of a “Western agenda”.
This would create a wedge between “the west” and “the rest”.
This would create a wedge between “the west” and “the rest”.
We can’t have that.
We can’t have that.
Rather, we need to engage with those who see things differently, promote these principles and strengthen support and ownership of them.
Rather, we need to engage with those who see things differently, promote these principles and strengthen support and ownership of them.
Use the humanitarian principles as “door openers”.
Use the humanitarian principles as “door openers”.
Sometimes this will have to be in the form of political pressure, but often “old-fashioned diplomacy” – even silent diplomacy – works better.
Sometimes this will have to be in the form of political pressure, but often “old-fashioned diplomacy” – even silent diplomacy – works better.
Norway is prepared to take both approaches – in the United Nations, in regional settings and bilaterally.
Norway is prepared to take both approaches – in the United Nations, in regional settings and bilaterally.
We must insist on this.
We must insist on this.
The second premise is that the prime responsibility to protect civilians lies with states themselves.
The second premise is that the prime responsibility to protect civilians lies with states themselves.
All states have an obligation to protect and safeguard the rights of their own citizens.
All states have an obligation to protect and safeguard the rights of their own citizens.
International humanitarian law sets out provisions for stateless individuals and groups, refugees and for a state’s obligations during wartime.
International humanitarian law sets out provisions for stateless individuals and groups, refugees and for a state’s obligations during wartime.
Many states acknowledge their responsibility, even when they have been hit by a major natural disaster.
Many states acknowledge their responsibility, even when they have been hit by a major natural disaster.
When an earthquake strikes, the country affected may be reluctant to declare a humanitarian disaster.
When an earthquake strikes, the country affected may be reluctant to declare a humanitarian disaster.
However, this does not matter as long as there is the necessary political will and ability to respond to the situation.
However, this does not matter as long as there is the necessary political will and ability to respond to the situation.
Problems arise where that is not the case.
Problems arise where that is not the case.
(3).
(3).
Thirdly, it is vital that humanitarian organisations are seen as neutral, relevant and reliable.
Thirdly, it is vital that humanitarian organisations are seen as neutral, relevant and reliable.
Here again, of course, image matters.
Here again, of course, image matters.
Humanitarian organisations must monitor and evaluate their image in the field, whilst we – politicians - must seek to ensure a clear distinction between tasks: military, developmental and humanitarian.
Humanitarian organisations must monitor and evaluate their image in the field, whilst we – politicians - must seek to ensure a clear distinction between tasks: military, developmental and humanitarian.
Moreover, in order to be perceived as impartial, humanitarian actors must establish and maintain dialogue with all relevant parties to a conflict.
Moreover, in order to be perceived as impartial, humanitarian actors must establish and maintain dialogue with all relevant parties to a conflict.
This is a bold and complicated exercise.
This is a bold and complicated exercise.
Although the situation is difficult, we must not give up.
Although the situation is difficult, we must not give up.
It is our obligation – at both individual and governmental level – to seek solutions.
It is our obligation – at both individual and governmental level – to seek solutions.
Finally, let me also share with you how the Norwegian Government is working to address these challenges.
Finally, let me also share with you how the Norwegian Government is working to address these challenges.
(First)
(First)
Norway’s humanitarian engagement is an integral part of our foreign policy.
Norway’s humanitarian engagement is an integral part of our foreign policy.
Well, what does that mean?
Well, what does that mean?
Last year, the Parliament – the Storting – approved a white paper on Norwegian humanitarian policy (a policy we will constantly need to update).
Last year, the Parliament – the Storting – approved a white paper on Norwegian humanitarian policy (a policy we will constantly need to update).
Our engagement is at two levels: politically, where foreign policy initiatives are key; and as a strategic and substantial donor.
Our engagement is at two levels: politically, where foreign policy initiatives are key; and as a strategic and substantial donor.
Our main focus is to ensure rapid, flexible and effective response to changing humanitarian needs.
Our main focus is to ensure rapid, flexible and effective response to changing humanitarian needs.
In addition, we are working to strengthen the overall humanitarian system and especially the mandate and capacity of the UN.
In addition, we are working to strengthen the overall humanitarian system and especially the mandate and capacity of the UN.
Humanitarian reform is an important issue.
Humanitarian reform is an important issue.
The system is not perfect and improvements are needed.
The system is not perfect and improvements are needed.
Norway is a key partner for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Norway is a key partner for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
We contribute substantially to the various emergency funds that have now been established.
We contribute substantially to the various emergency funds that have now been established.
We attach particular importance to strengthening the ability of the various UN peace operations to implement their protection mandates.
We attach particular importance to strengthening the ability of the various UN peace operations to implement their protection mandates.
We maintain close dialogue with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, with other countries, and at a more practical level we support the training of African peacekeepers.
We maintain close dialogue with the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, with other countries, and at a more practical level we support the training of African peacekeepers.
The participation and protection of women is a precondition for peace and stability.
The participation and protection of women is a precondition for peace and stability.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, we are strengthening our efforts to promote women’s roles in international peace and security - and to combat sexual violence in conflict.
As we approach the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325, we are strengthening our efforts to promote women’s roles in international peace and security - and to combat sexual violence in conflict.
(Second)
(Second)
Humanitarian disarmament (a rather new concept, which we have coined) has emerged as a core element in our efforts to make the world a safer place.
Humanitarian disarmament (a rather new concept, which we have coined) has emerged as a core element in our efforts to make the world a safer place.
These efforts have focused successfully on two types of weapons that have particularly devastating and unacceptable consequences from a humanitarian point of view: landmines and cluster munitions.
These efforts have focused successfully on two types of weapons that have particularly devastating and unacceptable consequences from a humanitarian point of view: landmines and cluster munitions.
We are also addressing the broader challenge of armed violence within and outside armed conflicts.
We are also addressing the broader challenge of armed violence within and outside armed conflicts.
In the Autumn I plan to go to Laos to attend the first meeting of the states parties to the Cluster Munitions Treaty.
In the Autumn I plan to go to Laos to attend the first meeting of the states parties to the Cluster Munitions Treaty.
There we will take stock.
There we will take stock.
(Third)
(Third)
Recent lessons learned from Gaza, Sri Lanka, Sudan and the DRC have highlighted the need for regional and global dialogue on the interpretation and application of international humanitarian law.
Recent lessons learned from Gaza, Sri Lanka, Sudan and the DRC have highlighted the need for regional and global dialogue on the interpretation and application of international humanitarian law.
There are different perspectives here.
There are different perspectives here.
Last year French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and I initiated a process to reclaim the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.
Last year French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner and I initiated a process to reclaim the protection of civilians under international humanitarian law.
The purpose is to agree on a way forward to promote respect for international humanitarian law and enhance the protection of civilians.
The purpose is to agree on a way forward to promote respect for international humanitarian law and enhance the protection of civilians.
I know – and I am glad - that the Norwegian Refugee Council is actively involved in this work.
I know – and I am glad - that the Norwegian Refugee Council is actively involved in this work.
(Fourth)
(Fourth)
When it comes to our bilateral efforts, we raise humanitarian issues both in policy dialogues and in connection with concrete crisis situations, for instance in the Middle East, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
When it comes to our bilateral efforts, we raise humanitarian issues both in policy dialogues and in connection with concrete crisis situations, for instance in the Middle East, Sudan and the Horn of Africa.
(Fifth)
(Fifth)
We work regularly with you – indeed we provide support for a range of civil society organisations, such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross and others - to help them fulfil their humanitarian mandate.
We work regularly with you – indeed we provide support for a range of civil society organisations, such as the Norwegian Refugee Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross and others - to help them fulfil their humanitarian mandate.
So here is the map for our “humanitarian navigation”.
So here is the map for our “humanitarian navigation”.
But as we know, the waters are rough and the terrain does not always match the map – so let me, before I close, share with you some dilemmas that are relevant to both governments and NGOs.
But as we know, the waters are rough and the terrain does not always match the map – so let me, before I close, share with you some dilemmas that are relevant to both governments and NGOs.
The first dilemma: on civilian-military cooperation in integrated missions.
The first dilemma: on civilian-military cooperation in integrated missions.
Civilian-military cooperation is vital in many conflict situations.
Civilian-military cooperation is vital in many conflict situations.
The various actors need to talk together and coordinate their efforts.
The various actors need to talk together and coordinate their efforts.
When the distinction between their roles and responsibilities becomes blurred, this makes the situation not only difficult but dangerous.
When the distinction between their roles and responsibilities becomes blurred, this makes the situation not only difficult but dangerous.
Where do we draw the line for involvement by the military?
Where do we draw the line for involvement by the military?
Norway takes a firm and well-balanced approach to the distinction between civilian and military efforts.
Norway takes a firm and well-balanced approach to the distinction between civilian and military efforts.
Humanitarian assistance must not be based on military logic or campaign objectives, but only on humanitarian needs.
Humanitarian assistance must not be based on military logic or campaign objectives, but only on humanitarian needs.
This is not an easy issue.
This is not an easy issue.
I have taken part in several discussions on this topic – and they are indeed challenging – most recently in Meymaneh in Faryab province during my visit to the Norwegian troops there.
I have taken part in several discussions on this topic – and they are indeed challenging – most recently in Meymaneh in Faryab province during my visit to the Norwegian troops there.
It is easy to understand their frustration and their wish to assist the local population there.
It is easy to understand their frustration and their wish to assist the local population there.
However, it would blur the distinction between humanitarian and military action, and their separate functions, if we allowed them to engage in humanitarian or development projects.
However, it would blur the distinction between humanitarian and military action, and their separate functions, if we allowed them to engage in humanitarian or development projects.
The blurring of this line is one reason why only 40% of Afghanistan is defined as a permissive environment for humanitarian actors, according to the UN.
The blurring of this line is one reason why only 40% of Afghanistan is defined as a permissive environment for humanitarian actors, according to the UN.
I know that the NRC has taken a lead on these issues in Afghanistan.
I know that the NRC has taken a lead on these issues in Afghanistan.
This is important and your active involvement is indeed necessary and highly appreciated.
This is important and your active involvement is indeed necessary and highly appreciated.
The second dilemma is the conditions for access.
The second dilemma is the conditions for access.
Again, where do we draw the line?
Again, where do we draw the line?
Is it acceptable for some humanitarian assistance to end up in the hands of the warring factions, as in Somalia, as long as some reaches the actual target groups?
Is it acceptable for some humanitarian assistance to end up in the hands of the warring factions, as in Somalia, as long as some reaches the actual target groups?
And if so, how much are we willing to “lose” in this way?
And if so, how much are we willing to “lose” in this way?
Another related question is whether it is acceptable to pay taxes to one of the warring parties – or to a government for that matter – in order to reach the people in need?
Another related question is whether it is acceptable to pay taxes to one of the warring parties – or to a government for that matter – in order to reach the people in need?
The third dilemma is risk.
The third dilemma is risk.
Today we are sitting safely here, but you know all about working in dangerous places.
Today we are sitting safely here, but you know all about working in dangerous places.
That is part of your mandate.
That is part of your mandate.
Risk assessments are vital not only to safeguard your operations but to ensure your survival.
Risk assessments are vital not only to safeguard your operations but to ensure your survival.
And then the difficult question arises: Who are we seeking to protect?
And then the difficult question arises: Who are we seeking to protect?
Them or us?
Them or us?
Should we risk our own staff or should we operate through local partners who – at least in some places – are less exposed and thus may be more willing to face local risks?
Should we risk our own staff or should we operate through local partners who – at least in some places – are less exposed and thus may be more willing to face local risks?
However, in some places the reverse may be true, and local partners may be even more exposed to risk than us.
However, in some places the reverse may be true, and local partners may be even more exposed to risk than us.
The fact that 80% of the humanitarian personnel injured, kidnapped or killed are national staff working for international humanitarian organisations tells us something about burden sharing – and about this complex issue of taking risks.
The fact that 80% of the humanitarian personnel injured, kidnapped or killed are national staff working for international humanitarian organisations tells us something about burden sharing – and about this complex issue of taking risks.
Another question – or dilemma – is when to leave.
Another question – or dilemma – is when to leave.
At what point can we say that we have enabled local personnel to handle the challenges in the field, so that international staff can pull out?
At what point can we say that we have enabled local personnel to handle the challenges in the field, so that international staff can pull out?
When do we define a situation as unacceptable?
When do we define a situation as unacceptable?
Darfur is a case in point.
Darfur is a case in point.
As OCHA reported recently: “We are under attack every day, we have hijacks every day, we have aid workers attacked every day ...
As OCHA reported recently: “We are under attack every day, we have hijacks every day, we have aid workers attacked every day ...
Darfur has become a very dangerous place for aid workers.”
Darfur has become a very dangerous place for aid workers.”
Many donors seem to have reached the conclusion that the conditions for providing good, impartial and responsible humanitarian assistance are no longer present – that the humanitarian principles have been eroded.
Many donors seem to have reached the conclusion that the conditions for providing good, impartial and responsible humanitarian assistance are no longer present – that the humanitarian principles have been eroded.
We cannot give up – we cannot and will not see it this way.
We cannot give up – we cannot and will not see it this way.
This is indeed the challenge.
This is indeed the challenge.
I am thoroughly looking forward to hearing about the discussion on these issues later, I wish you a fruitful conference, and I welcome your feedback.
I am thoroughly looking forward to hearing about the discussion on these issues later, I wish you a fruitful conference, and I welcome your feedback.
Opening remarks at Conference on Humanitarian Access
Åpningsinnlegg på konferanse om humanitær tilgang
Council of Europe's "E-voting handbook"
Europarådets håndbok om e-valg
News about E-vote 2011-project
Nytt om e-valg 2011-prosjektet
In November 2010, the Council of Europe has published "E-voting handbook - Key steps in the implementation of e-enabled elections" (pdf).
E-voting handbook - Key steps in the implementation of e-enabled elections (pdf)
Read more about e-voting on the Council of Europe website.
Les mer om Europarådets arbeid med e-valg på Europarådets nettside.
E-voting in trial municipalities starts in the autumn
E-valg i forsøkskommunene starter med valg til ungdomsråd i Ålesund 15. oktober
This autumn, six municipalities will carry out either elections for young persons' councils or consultative referenda with the aid of the new solution for electronic voting via the internet.
I høst skal seks kommuner gjennomføre enten valg til ungdomsråd eller rådgivende folkeavstemninger ved hjelp av den nye løsningen for elektronisk stemmegivning via Internett.
After New Year facilities will be available for further four trial municipalities to perform consultative referenda.
Etter nyttår legges det opp til at ytterligere fire forsøkskommuner vil gjennomføre rådgivende folkeavstemninger.
For the municipal and county council elections in 2011, 10 municipalities will take part in electronic voting trials.
Ved kommunestyre- og fylkestingsvalget i 2011 skal 10 kommuner delta i forsøk med elektronisk stemmegivning.
The e-voting 2011 project at the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development is now working constantly on developing the e-voting solution in collaboration with the trial municipalities and ErgoGroup, which is the supplier.
E-valg 2011-prosjektet i Kommunal- og regionaldepartementet jobber nå kontinuerlig med å utvikle e-valgløsningen i samarbeid med forsøkskommunene og ErgoGroup, som er leverandør.
Testing and further development
Testing og videreutvikling
Some of the municipalities will also have traditional ballot papers available for those who do not wish to vote electronically.
Enkelte av kommunene vil også ha papirstemmesedler tilgjengelige for de som ikke ønsker å stemme elektronisk.
The municipalities inform their own residents and voters about how the elections and referenda are carried out.
Kommunene informerer egne innbyggere og velgere om hvordan valgene og folkeavstemningene foregår.
The referenda will be consultative.
Folkeavstemningene vil være rådgivende, jf. kommuneloven § 39b.
Back-up solutions
Back-up-løsninger
All the trial municipalities will have back-up solutions in case there are problems with the electronic voting.
Alle forsøkskommunene vil ha back-up-løsninger dersom det blir problemer med den elektroniske stemmegivningen.
Must have MinID
Må ha MinID
All those who are entitled to vote in the electronic elections must be registered as users of the the MinID identification solution.
Alle som har stemmerett ved de elektroniske valgene, må være registrert som brukere av identifiseringsløsningen MinID.
Those who have not used MinID before must register in good time before voting starts.
De som ikke har brukt MinID tidligere, må registrere seg i god tid før valget starter.
New PIN codes may be ordered from MinID: www.minid.difi.no.
Ny PIN-kode kan bestilles hos MinID: www.minid.difi.no.
It takes a few days for a new PIN code to arrive by post.
Det tar noen dager før ny PIN-kode kommer i posten.
Those who are unsure whether they are registered as users of MinID can check by logging on here: www.minside.no.
De som er usikre på om de er registrert som bruker av MinID, kan sjekke det ved å logge seg inn her: www.minside.no.
Elections/referenda in the trial municipalities
Valgene/folkeavstemningene i forsøkskommunene
Below is a list of when the elections and referenda occur:
Under følger en oversikt over når valgene/folkeavstemningene skjer:
Election to young persons' council
Valg til ungdomsråd
15.10.-18.10.2010
15.10.-18.10.2010
25.10.-27.10.2010
25.10.-27.10.2010
Referendum: on establishing a town park at the bus station.
Avstemning: om etablering av bypark på rutebilstasjonen.
(9th and 10th year pupils are entitled to vote)
(Elever i 9. og 10. klasse er stemmeberettiget)
2.11.-5.11.2010.
2.11.-5.11.2010.
There will also be a separate day for voting with ballot papers 8.11.2010.
Det blir i tillegg en egen valgdag med papirstemmegivning 8.11.2010.
Mandal
Mandal
Referendum: name of new bridge
Folkeavstemning: navn på ny bru
10.11.-11.11.2010
10.11.-11.11.2010
Vefsn
Vefsn
Referendum: traffic arrangement questions
Folkeavstemning: spørsmål rundt trafikkavvikling
22.11.-25.11.2010
22.11.-25.11.2010
30.11.-1.12.2010
30.11.-1.12.2010