Error message

Notice: Undefined offset: 1 in drupal_settings_initialize() (line 802 of /backup/agenda/public_html/includes/bootstrap.inc).

Self Report 2017

The self-report on WHS Commitments below is organized according to the 24 transformations of the Agenda for Humanity. It is based on commitments pledged at the time of report submission. Click on the 'Expand' symbol to expand each section and read the reporting inputs by transformation.

1B
Act early

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    As a member of the EU, Luxembourg has encouraged the new Secretary-General in his intention to make conflict prevention the top priority of the United Nations for peace and security.

  • Achievements at a glance

    As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group (ACT), Luxembourg has encouraged the new Secretary-General to use his prerogative under Article 99 of the Charter, also in the context of the implementation of the Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. The European Union has made a statement in that respect on 10 January 2017, at the opening debate of the Security Council dedicated to conflict prevention and sustaining peace. Luxembourg is advocating for the sustaining peace concept and for taking conflict prevention better into account, following the resolutions adopted on 27 April 2016 by the General Assembly and the Security Council regarding the review of the United Nations peacebuilding architecture.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    An effective United Nations Agenda for Sustaining Peace remains elusive, given the complex and interrelated challenges that the UN currently faces, in institutional, operational, organisational, and political terms.

  • Cross cutting issues

    People-centred approach

1C
Remain engaged and invest in stability

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    There is a growing body of evidence among practitioners of human rights and peacebuilding, in international organisations, civil society and academia that societies in which human rights and the rule of law are respected are more stable and peaceful, as well as economically more successful. As recognised by SDG 16, economic, social or political exclusion risks creating rifts in societies, as do large-scale human rights violations; furthermore, these are often an early warning sign of conflict or mass atrocities. This represents a clear imperative for concerted international action.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Collectively, SDG 16 represents a shared global commitment to create and sustain peaceful, inclusive, and just societies. Luxembourg refers to this goal both nationally and internationally. Luxembourg is funding transitional justice support projects, notably through the International Centre for Transitional Justice in Tunisia and Colombia.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    We are following the evolution of debates at international human rights fora, like the UN Human Rights Council.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The existing UN human rights framework, both at the Human Rights Council and in the UN General Assembly, but also in the countries concerned, is currently being challenged in terms of access granted to the Office of the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights, as well as to the Human Rights Council Special Procedures mandates holders and to the UN Treaty Bodies. This lack of constructive engagement with the international system is compounded by challenges faced in the fields of civil and political rights, as well as economic, social and cultural rights.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    - Luxembourg seeks to improve efforts to strengthen and mainstream human rights in other areas of its diplomatic and international engagement.
    - Luxembourg will submit to the third cycle of the UN’s Universal Periodic Review in 2017.
    - Luxembourg will step up its campaign for the UN Human Rights Council in 2022-2024.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Remain engaged and invest in stability', what would it be

    All states should engage constructively and in good faith in all international and regional human rights protection mechanisms and should cease attempts to undermine and weaken the United Nations or other international organisations, including NGOs, which are working for the fulfillment of universal human rights.

  • Cross cutting issues

    People-centred approach Social protection

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    1B - Act early

2A
Respect and protect civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is firmly committed to the respect of IHL and condemns the use of schools and universities for military use, which seriously undermines the protection of children in armed conflict. During an armed conflict, there has to be a clear distinction between combatants and civilian population. Data collection on direct civilian harm resulting from the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in populated areas is a necessary step in order to find solutions to protect civilians. Support to UNMAS and civil society organizations in the humanitarian mine action programs is a pillar of Luxembourg’s cooperation and development policy.

  • Achievements at a glance

    - Luxembourg supported the organisation of a conference by the NGO “Geneva Call” to convince Non-State Armed Groups to sign deeds of commitment in order to protect children in armed conflict.
    - Luxembourg supported the efforts of the UN SRSG on CAAC, notably through participation in Groups of Friends on CAAC.
    - Luxembourg supports the joint UNICEF-UN SRSG on CAAC campaign “Children Not Soldiers”.
    - Luxembourg endorsed the “Safe Schools Declaration” in 2015.
    - Luxembourg submitted a first report on the Call for Action on Protection from GBV in December 2016.
    - Luxembourg financed a study Qasef: Escaping the bombing” by Handicap International on the correlation between the bombing of civilians in Syria and forced migration.
    - In addition to supporting various NGO projects, Luxembourg also makes yearly unearmarked contributions of €500,000 to UNMAS, giving the highest flexibility to UNMAS in determining how to best use the funds available.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    The reports by the UN SRSG on CAAC and UNICEF’s state of the world’s children, as well as research done by NGOs and academic stakeholders measures progress. Thanks to efforts of civil society and NGOs, the concept of the “use of explosive weapons in populated areas” has reached a vast audience. Civil society has successfully raised awareness on this important issue. Luxembourg welcomes the fact that it is now on the international agenda. In order to assess trends on mine pollution, demining efforts, number of casualties and victim assistance, Luxembourg highlights the value of the “Landmine Monitor”.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    The use and victimisation of children in armed conflict by state and non-state actors continues throughout the world. Children are victimised in multiple and deeply traumatising ways: the international system to protect them from harm is overwhelmed with current needs.
    Data collection on the “the use of explosive weapons in populated areas” is difficult to acquire, as researchers have to investigate in regions of conflict and war. A subsequent challenge is the creation of good practices and lessons learned. More reports and research are necessary to draw the right conclusions on how to minimize the effects on the civilian population.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    - Raising awareness and cooperating in the relevant international fora in order to uphold the values of international humanitarian law.
    - Luxembourg will continue its active engagement in humanitarian mine action programs and remains fully committed in assisting and funding relevant activities and research projects in this domain.
    - On the protection of children, Luxembourg will fund UN programmes, as well as other humanitarian actors. Luxembourg also support the setting up of a Group of Friends on CAAC in Brussels (to improve EU coordination on the subject matter).
    - Luxembourg remains committed to incorporating the Safe Schools guidelines.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Respect and protect civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities', what would it be

    State and non-state actors must protect children in situations of armed conflict. Using children in armed conflict is destroying societies for generations to come.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Humanitarian principles People-centred approach

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    1B - Act early

2B
Ensure full access to and protection of the humanitarian and medical missions

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg believes that safeguarding humanitarian principles is of paramount importance- even more so in the complex humanitarian emergencies that we are facing today.

  • Achievements at a glance

    The humanitarian principles remain at the core of Luxembourg’s humanitarian strategy. They are firmly anchored in our National Humanitarian Charter. In line with humanitarian principles, resource allocation and programming is needs-based with a strong focus on vulnerable groups and underfunded/forgotten crisis. Luxembourg further supports financial instruments like CERF and geographically un-earmarked multi-year contributions. In order to preserve the unique nature of humanitarian work, Luxembourg further believes that the EU’s Consensus on Humanitarian Assistance should remain distinct from the EU’s Consensus on Development Aid. Luxembourg also supports the promotion of the Common Humanitarian Standard and the work undertaken by the GHS Alliance.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Luxembourg has signed a multi-year research project with UNHCR to conduct a strategic reflection on how humanitarian principles can be preserved in the humanitarian-development nexus.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Ensure full access to and protection of the humanitarian and medical missions', what would it be

    Avoid politicization and instrumentalisation of humanitarian assistance.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Humanitarian principles People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Grand Bargain

2C
Speak out on violations

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg believes that safeguarding humanitarian principles is of paramount importance- even more so in the complex humanitarian emergencies that we are facing today.

  • Achievements at a glance

    The humanitarian principles remain at the core of Luxembourg’s humanitarian strategy. They are firmly anchored in the National Humanitarian Charter. In line with humanitarian principles, Luxembourg’s humanitarian resource allocation and programming is needs-based with a strong focus on vulnerable groups and underfunded/forgotten crisis. Luxembourg further supports financial instruments like CERF and geographically unearmarked multi-year contributions with UN and international agencies. Luxembourg also supports the promotion of the Core Humanitarian Standard and the work undertaken in this regard by the CHS Alliance. In order to preserve the unique nature of humanitarian work, Luxembourg further believes that the EU’s Consensus on Humanitarian Assistance should remain distinct from the EU’s Consensus on Development Aid.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Luxembourg has signed a multi-year research project with UNHCR to conduct a strategic reflection on how humanitarian principles can be preserved in the humanitarian-development nexus.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Speak out on violations', what would it be

    Avoid politicization and instrumentalisation of humanitarian assistance.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Humanitarian principles

  • Specific initiatives

    Grand Bargain

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    2B - Ensure full access to and protection of the humanitarian and medical missions

2D
Take concrete steps to improve compliance and accountability

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    As a State party to the Rome Statute, Luxembourg is a strong advocate for the ICC and for the fight against impunity. As a member of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group (ACT), Luxembourg continues to advocate for the implementation of the Code of Conduct regarding Security Council action against genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes. In order to promote respect for IHL and enhance internal coordination on this subject, Luxembourg committed to designate a focal point on IHL.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg has designated a focal point on IHL within the legal service of the MFA. This focal point works in close collaboration with the Human Rights Desk of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regular consultations also take place with the humanitarian action desk of the MFA.

    Luxembourg supports the ICC and universal adherence to the Rome Statute both in its bilateral contacts, as well as in public statements in multilateral fora (such as the UN).

    Luxembourg has taken part in the development of a template letter, which members of the Accountability, Coherence and Transparency group (ACT) group can use, when the situation arises, to request all members of the Security Council to support a credible draft resolution aimed at preventing or ending atrocities.

    Luxembourg endorsed the Call to Action on Protection from Gender-based Violence on 19 May 2016. A first progress report was sent in December 2016.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    - Luxembourg will continue to advocate for the ICC in multilateral fora and in its bilateral contacts. Luxembourg currently also holds the presidency of the informal group of friends of the ICC in Geneva.
    - The focal point for IHL will continue to work for promoting respect for IHL through diplomatic relations and through participating in international processes, such as the process on strengthening compliance with IHL.
    - Moreover, Luxembourg will continue to promote the role of women and girls by advocating against GBV and commits to further mainstreaming aspects related to the Protection from GBV in its humanitarian programmes.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Take concrete steps to improve compliance and accountability', what would it be

    Recalling the words of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: “the world needs more ICC, not less”.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Gender Humanitarian principles People-centred approach

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    2E - Uphold the rules: a global campaign to affirm the norms that safeguard humanity

2E
Uphold the rules: a global campaign to affirm the norms that safeguard humanity

Joint Commitment

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    To enhance compliance with IHL, universal adherence to the Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions is key. Luxembourg is committed to strengthening IHL compliance and will continue to be actively involved in the intergovernmental process, following resolution 2 of the 32nd International Conference of the Red Cross and the Red Crescent in 2015. Implementation by a large number of states of the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty will strengthen international peace and security. Further universalization of the Convention on Cluster munitions will help put a stigma on this kind of munition and will eventually lead to its prohibition.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg participated in the first formal meeting on IHL compliance in November 2016. 100 states are currently parties to the Convention on Cluster Munitions. The main achievement of the Convention is the creation of an international norm. Cluster Munitions are stigmatized and even states that are not parties to the Convention are more reluctant to use them as there will be international reactions. 130 states signed the Arms Trade treaty and 154 states voted in favor of the resolution containing the text of the treaty in 2013.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    After having participated at the first formal meeting on IHL compliance in November 2016, Luxembourg will continue to be actively involved in further meetings. Luxembourg will bring up these issues where relevant in its dialogue with third States.

    Universalization efforts on the Convention on Cluster Munitions have to continue in 2017.

    A larger number of states need to implement the provisions of the Arms Trade Treaty by creating a functional national export control system and by assessing whether an arms export would be used in the commission of crimes against humanity or could facilitate a serious violation ...

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Uphold the rules: a global campaign to affirm the norms that safeguard humanity', what would it be

    Universal adherence to the Additional Protocols of the Geneva Conventions are key. A larger number of States need to become parties to the ATT and the Convention on Cluster Munitions and implement their provisions.

  • Cross cutting issues

    People-centred approach

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    2A - Respect and protect civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of hostilities

3A
Reduce and address displacement

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg joined the Nansen Initiative in 2011. Luxembourg is a long-standing partner of UNICEF and supports the goal of ensuring quality education for all (in line with SDG 4).

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg financially supports UNICEF’s No Lost Generation initiative as well as the work undertaken by several international NGOs in the framework of the Syrian crisis.Moreover, Luxembourg also supports WFP’s school meals through multi-year funding (2017-2020).

  • Cross cutting issues

    IDPs People-centred approach Refugees

  • Specific initiatives

    Education Cannot Wait Platform on Disaster Displacement

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    3E - Eliminate gaps in education for children, adolescents and young people

3D
Empower and protect women and girls

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Equal participation and representation of women and girls in development projects is among the key priorities of Luxembourg. It should be noted that Luxembourg is well positioned to take a leading role in the implementation of the SDGs, especially SDG 5 to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. It should also be noted that Luxembourg allocates at least 5% of its humanitarian budget to the financing of actions in the field of prevention and reduction of disaster risks. All this goes to show that Luxembourg is committed to reducing the gender gap in DRR.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg has supported the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) for many years and emphasizes the full and equal participation and representation of women and girls in disaster risk reduction (DRR), conflict prevention and resolution, post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Luxembourg will seek to support a project of GFDRR in 2017, which emphasizes the full and equal participation and representation of women and girls in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction Gender

  • Specific initiatives

    Global Partnership for Preparedness

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4B - Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

3E
Eliminate gaps in education for children, adolescents and young people

Individual Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is a long-standing partner of UNICEF and supports the goal of ensuring quality education for all (in line with SDG 4).

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg financially supports UNICEF’s No Lost Generation initiative as well as the work undertaken by several international NGOs in the framework of the Syrian crisis. Moreover, Luxembourg also supports WFP’s school meals through multi-year funding (2017-2020).

  • Cross cutting issues

    IDPs People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Education Cannot Wait

3F
Enable adolescents and young people to be agents of positive transformation

Individual Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is a long-standing partner of UNICEF and supports the goal of ensuring quality education for all (in line with SDG 4).

  • Achievements at a glance

    The payment of EUR 2.5 million for the NLG initiative in 2016 has been disbursed. Those for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are programmed and budgeted.

  • Cross cutting issues

    IDPs People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Education Cannot Wait

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    3E - Eliminate gaps in education for children, adolescents and young people

3G
Address other groups or minorities in crisis settings

Individual Commitment

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg endorsed the Charter on 19 May 2016 and has since endeavored to mainstream this dimension in its humanitarian action. Special attention was given to this dimension when revising the procedural and financial framework for Government funding for NGOs.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Maintaining a high level of awareness in all international fora.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disability Humanitarian principles

  • Specific initiatives

    Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action

4A
Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is aware of the importance of supporting national and local resilience efforts, which is why it has been contributing for many years to the Global Fund on Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF).

  • Achievements at a glance

    In 2016, Luxembourg contributed to GFDRR’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) in order to strengthen adaptive social protection in Mali. The MDTF finances the implementation of GFDRR’s mission to help build resilient societies that manage and adapt to emerging disaster and climate risks, and contribute to the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Luxembourg is following GFDRR’s activities as well as its monitoring and reporting system very closely. Thus, Luxembourg is a member of GFDRR’s Technical Advisory Group, which provides technical advice and guidance for monitoring and evaluation activities related to the GFDRR program. The Group helps facilitate an exchange of concrete suggestions to improve GFDRR’s monitoring and evaluation efforts and build capacity in this area and broad participation in the monitoring and evaluation process.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    In 2017, Luxembourg will seek to support another Global Fund on Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) project in order to strengthen national and local resilience efforts.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction People-centred approach Social protection

  • Specific initiatives

    Global Partnership for Preparedness The Inclusion Charter

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4B - Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

4B
Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg allocates at least 5% of its humanitarian aid budget to the financing of actions in the field of prevention and reduction of disaster risks and measures to build resilience. Regarding the multi-hazard early warning systems, it was the adoption of the Sendai Framework that highlighted the need for such a system. Our specific NGO cooperation with Bangladesh resulted from the variety of natural disasters including cyclones, floods and earthquakes to which the country is exposed.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg set up an inter-ministerial platform for disaster risk reduction to integrate risk reduction approaches into national policies and nominated a focal point to coordinate the implementation of the Sendai Framework and ensure linkage to the UNISDR. Luxembourg has been a partner of the World Bank’s Global Fund on Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) for many years. In addition, Luxembourg is following GFDRR’s monitoring and reporting system. Thus, Luxembourg is member of GFDRR’s Technical Advisory Group. In 2016, the Luxembourg Ministry of Sustainable Development supported the Climate Risk Early Warning Systems (CREWS) with EUR 1 million. Luxembourg climate finance funds are mobilized in addition to ODA. Luxembourg co-funds a risk reduction program of the NGO, Friendship International Luxembourg, in Bangladesh. Friendship is working on a more comprehensive risk reduction culture. Luxembourg has supported UNDP through the Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Roll Out Project in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    As a member of the national platform for disaster risk reduction, the Ministry maintains a regular exchange with other major stakeholders.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    We need a strong commitment of all stakeholders to achieve the Sendai Framework target and to increase people’s access to multi-hazard early warning systems.

    Raising awareness and bringing about a more comprehensive risk reduction culture is needed and can be done by contributing to strengthening the capacity of the communities at risk, linking basic services like health, water-sanitation, education and sustainable economic development at doorstep level, and enhancing collective effort by engaging local government.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Luxembourg remains a Partner of GFDRR and will contribute to projects increasing people’s access to multi-hazard early warning systems.
    Luxembourg will participate in the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Cancun.
    Luxembourg will sign an MoU (€ 250,000 per year) on the "5-10-50" initiative with UNDP/GFDRR in 2017 to strengthen post-disaster recovery interventions and enhance capacities of governments and regional organizations to implement and manage post-disaster recovery.
    In the framework of its Strategic Partnership Agreement with UNHCR, Luxembourg is also prepared to support UNHCR’s “Connecting Refugees” initiative by offering satellite services and expertise through its emergency.lu platform (www.emergency.lu).

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Anticipate, do not wait, for crises', what would it be

    Bringing together all the relevant stakeholders, as well as integrating risk reduction approaches in all our national policies is of utmost importance.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction Food Security Refugees

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4A - Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems

4C
Deliver collective outcomes: transcend humanitarian-development divides

Joint Commitment

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    In 2012, Luxembourg maintained its assistance in the North of Mali. In 2013, the Malian and Luxembourg Governments jointly agreed to an interim strategy (2013 – 2014) that allowed the strengthening of rule of law and peace-building measures. Development, humanitarian aid and support to security and peace are an integral part of Luxembourg’s “politique 3D” (Diplomacy, Development, Defense). Luxembourg, being an active actor in the field of "communication as aid" with emergency.lu, supports GAHI. Luxembourg is also an active participant in the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP).

  • Achievements at a glance

    An inter-ministerial committee on sustainable development ensures coordination throughout all government agencies concerned with the 2030 Agenda. These ensure close alignment of all government policies and programming to the SDGs and work on specific work streams in smaller steering committees. Other inter-ministerial groups address coordination issues between different administrations and policy communities, notably the Inter-ministerial Committee on Development Cooperation which addresses policy coherence for development and Inter-ministerial Committee on Human Rights. Luxembourg is a longstanding participant in the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP). On Mali, the third Indicative Cooperation Programme (ICP 2015 – 2019) of Luxembourg focuses on the sectors of health, nutrition, education and vocational training and local governance. Luxembourg sent its letter of intent to the secretariat of the GAHI on 19 May 2016 and has been a full member of the Global Alliance since then.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Annual partnership commissions at ministerial level take stock of progress and results achieved by the different programmes under the third Indicative Cooperation Programme between Luxembourg and Mali (2015 – 2019). Monitoring and evaluation will be based as far as feasible on national results frameworks and indicators and EU joint programming frameworks. Continuous review of implementation of programmes and projects will be done in exchange with all implementing partners.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    Restrictions on movements of development and humanitarian actors due to deteriorating security in the north of Mali.
    Necessity to move away from “emergency/resilience” approach of local actors and international NGOs, particularly in the sector of health and food security.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    On the 2030 Agenda, Luxembourg will present its efforts at the 2017 High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in the framework of the voluntary national reviews.

    On Islamic social finance, Luxembourg will provide ICRC with one dedicated staff to explore the opportunities presented for humanitarian funding by Islamic finance and help identify concrete avenues.

    Luxembourg will pursue its long-standing engagement with Mali under the third Indicative Cooperation Programme (2015 – 2019).

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Deliver collective outcomes: transcend humanitarian-development divides', what would it be

    Stress the necessity to transition from “emergency/resilience” approach to a more sustainable development approach.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Innovation People-centred approach

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    5E - Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency

5A
Invest in local capacities

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg supports country-based pooled funds and the allocation of funds through an inclusive process in support of priorities set out in coordinated Humanitarian Response Plans. This ensures that funding is available and prioritized at the local level by those closest to people in need and avoids multiplication of different multi-donor funds. Luxembourg is committed to the improvement of the humanitarian system and recognizes the valuable contribution of local institutions. Luxembourg is committed to improve the quality of its funding by increasing the predictability and timeliness, while emphasizing multi-year funding as well as a more flexible funding for humanitarian crises.

  • Achievements at a glance

    In 2016, Luxembourg allocated EUR 5.5 million to UN pooled funds, which were comprised of a contribution to the Central Emergency Response Fund (EUR 4.5 million) as well as a contribution to the country-based pooled funds in CAR, DRC, South Sudan and Syria (EUR 250,000 to each). In 2017, Luxembourg will support humanitarian funds in Myanmar and Nigeria with a contribution of EUR 250,000 to each fund. Luxembourg’s annual contribution to country-based pooled funds (CBPF) will thereby total EUR 1,500,000, thus doubling its initial promise of a 25% annual financial increase to CBPF taken at the WHS. Luxembourg has no restrictions in place for financing local institutions. National and local NGOs can apply for funding in a similar way as international and Luxembourg based NGOs. The requirements for support and guidance on project proposals are freely accessible on the Ministry’s website.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    In 2017, Luxembourg will allocate more than EUR 6 million to UN pooled funds. Luxembourg already disbursed EUR 4/6 million to the Central Emergency Response Fund. In addition to country-based pooled funds in CAR, DRC, South Sudan and Syria, Luxembourg will also support the Myanmar humanitarian fund and the new humanitarian fund in Nigeria (EUR 250,000 each). A total of EUR 1.5 million allocated in 2017. Luxembourg will further engage with its national and international humanitarian partners to assess the performance of Luxembourg’s humanitarian action against the criteria “direct” and “as direct as possible”.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Invest in local capacities', what would it be

    Change of mindset needed.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Central Emergency Response Fund Country-based pooled funds People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Grand Bargain

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    5D - Finance outcomes, not fragmentation: shift from funding to financing 5E - Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency

5B
Invest according to risk

Joint Commitment

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg has delivered considerable financial and technical assistance to support activities related to the fight against climate change in developing countries, with a particular focus on LDCs and SIDS. Prior to COP21, Luxembourg pledged EUR 120 million to international climate finance funding between 2014 and 2020 including EUR 5 million annually to the Green Climate Fund. These funds are new and are not counted in Luxembourg’s ODA.

  • Achievements at a glance

    A public-private "Climate Finance Task Force" was convened in 2015 with the aim to create new financing vehicles (Luxembourg- European Investment Bank platform dedicated to climate finance; new Luxflag Climate Finance Label; Green finance instruments at the Luxembourg Stock Exchange). Through its ODA, Luxembourg supported UNDP 's Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) Roll Out Project in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Luxembourg also co-funds a risk reduction program of the NGO Friendship International Luxembourg in Bangladesh.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Luxembourg’s climate funds are new and additional, i.e. mobilized from new sources. Significant progress has been made on developing Luxembourg’s international climate finance strategy together with the development of selection and eligibility criteria for programs and projects. An inter-ministerial committee evaluates these programs and projects. Strong partnerships were concluded with the EIB, the Gold Standard Foundation and the Luxembourg Microfinance and Development Fund, leading to a successful cooperation and possibly to scaling-up of the climate action with funding from the Government and others.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    A broad range of approaches to measuring climate finance is currently being used by countries and institutions. They reflect the relative newness and evolving nature of this agenda, and the diversity of national climate finance and green growth objectives.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    As announced prior to the UNFCCC COP21, Luxembourg will continue to support climate action in developing countries (keeping a major focus on LDCs and SIDS) by announcing EUR 120 million in international climate finance funding between 2014 and 2020. Through its humanitarian funding, Luxembourg will support the 5-10-50 initiative with EUR 250,000 in 2017 for a joint project between UNDP and World Bank’s Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, which supports countries to deliver risk-informed development. Within its humanitarian strategy, Luxembourg will continue to support resilience activities such as disaster risk reduction projects in Bangladesh.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Invest according to risk', what would it be

    Raising awareness and bringing about a more comprehensive risk reduction culture are needed by contributing to strengthening the capacity of the communities at risk, linking basic services like health, water and sanitation, education and sustainable economic development at doorstep level, and enhancing collective effort by engaging local government.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Specific initiatives

    Global Partnership for Preparedness Risk and Vulnerability Data Platform

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4B - Anticipate, do not wait, for crises

5C
Invest in stability

Individual Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is a long-standing partner of UNICEF and supports the goal of ensuring quality education for all (in line with SDG 4). Luxembourg has also been a long-standing annual contributor to the UN Peacebuilding Fund and believes that the PBF's fast-acting and catalytic nature represents an excellent financing instrument for peacebuilding activities for the UN.

  • Achievements at a glance

    The payment of EUR 2.5 million for the No Lost Generation initiative in 2016 has been disbursed (EUR 2.5 million annually). Those for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 are programmed and budgeted.

    The Luxembourg MFA – in a whole of government approach which leverages funds from the Political Affairs, Humanitarian Action and Defense Divisions – supports the Peacebuilding Fund with a minimum yearly amount of EUR 300,000.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    - Financial support to the No Lost Generation initiative (EUR 2.5 million annually) for 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 is programmed and budgeted.
    - Continuation of regular coordination between the different concerned MFA departments on peacebuilding and other issues of the wider UN agenda for Sustaining Peace.

  • Cross cutting issues

    People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Education Cannot Wait

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    3E - Eliminate gaps in education for children, adolescents and young people

5D
Finance outcomes, not fragmentation: shift from funding to financing

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is aware of the importance of supporting national and local resilience efforts, which is why it has been contributing for many years to the Global Fund on Disaster Risk Reduction (GFDRR) Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). Furthermore, inspired by its national experience in micro-finance for development and green bonds, Luxembourg intended to bring together finance expertise to help bridge the gap in humanitarian financing and notably explore the feasibility of new innovative instruments in Islamic social finance.

  • Achievements at a glance

    In 2016, Luxembourg contributed to the GFDRR’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) in order to strengthen adaptive social protection in Mali. The MDTF finances the implementation of GFDRR’s mission to help build resilient societies that manage and adapt to emerging disaster and climate risks, and contribute to the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses. On Islamic social finance, an exploratory meeting with IFRC and some national and international private stakeholders took place in October 2016.
    Luxembourg committed to providing IFRC with one dedicated staff for an initial period of one year.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    Luxembourg is following GFDRR’s activities as well as its monitoring and reporting system very closely. Thus, Luxembourg is a member of GFDRR’s Technical Advisory Group, which provides technical advice and guidance for monitoring and evaluation activities related to the GFDRR program. The Group helps facilitate an exchange of concrete suggestions to improve GFDRR’s monitoring and evaluation efforts and build capacity in this area and broad participation in the monitoring and evaluation process.

  • Challenges faced in implementation

    In 2017, Luxembourg will seek to support another GFDRR project in order to strengthen national and local resilience efforts.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    Luxembourg will provide IFRC with one dedicated staff for an initial duration of one year to explore humanitarian funding opportunities related to Islamic social finance and help identify concrete avenues.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Innovation Private sector

  • Specific initiatives

    Grand Bargain

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    5E - Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency

5E
Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency

Individual Commitment

Core Commitment

  • What led your organization to make the commitment?

    Luxembourg is an important humanitarian donor per capita and understands its responsibility in relation to increasing humanitarian funding needs world-wide. As a donor Luxembourg also recognizes the need for continuously improving transparency. Luxembourg attaches great importance to CERF and to the commitments Luxembourg took at the World Humanitarian Summit regarding the fund. Luxembourg became a signatory to the Grand Bargain in the margins of the WHS. Given the needs and demands of the international community, Luxembourg committed to the Grand Bargain with a special focus on multi-year and unearmarked funding.

  • Achievements at a glance

    Luxembourg consistently allocates around 15% of ODA to humanitarian assistance. The humanitarian budget for 2017 is EUR 42 million - a 2 million increase compared to 2016 and an increase of nearly 5 % compared to 2016. Taking Luxembourg’s 2016 contribution to CERF as a reference, an increase of EUR 225,000 is noted - up to 4.75 million EUR until 2018. A first multi-year funding agreement between Luxembourg and CERF covering the period 2017-2018 is now in place. In 2016 the Ministry signed a national humanitarian charter with its five national partners for taking forward WHS commitments. Luxembourg has implemented multi-year planning and funding, inter alia through multi-year Strategic Partnership Agreements with UN agencies and ICRC. These agreements offer a reliable framework for flexible and unearmarked funding in line with GHD and GB. Published national data in OECD/DAC - CRS and in OCHA-FTS includes annual reports with funding data.

  • How is your organization assessing progress

    It is very important to have a harmonized and simplified reporting as well as a joint and impartial needs assessment. Luxembourg will use the self-reporting template to report on progress in implementing the commitments of the Grand Bargain. Self-reporting is vital in terms of accountability towards the wider humanitarian community, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

  • Next step to advance implementation in 2017

    In 2017, Luxembourg will allocate EUR 42 million in humanitarian aid. In addition, pending Parliamentary approval, Luxembourg intends to increase its humanitarian budget to EUR 44 million in 2018, an increase of 10% in absolute terms compared to 2016.Luxembourg disbursed its annual contribution to CERF in the first quarter of 2017. The multi-year funding agreement between CERF and Luxembourg further provides predictability of funding for 2018. Luxembourg also maintains a strong focus on underfunded/forgotten crisis. Luxembourg will engage in an informal dialogue with NGOs/co-signatories of the national humanitarian charter on how to follow-up WHS localization commitments.

  • If you had one message for the annual report on what is most needed to advance the transformation 'Diversify the resource base and increase cost-efficiency', what would it be

    Flexible and multi-year funding are key.

  • Cross cutting issues

    Central Emergency Response Fund Country-based pooled funds People-centred approach

  • Specific initiatives

    Centre for Humanitarian Data Grand Bargain

  • Other related Agenda for Humanity transformations

    4A - Reinforce, do not replace, national and local systems 5D - Finance outcomes, not fragmentation: shift from funding to financing

Attachments

  • WHS Commitments Attachments
    Transformation - 2A, 2B, 2E, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5E | Central Emergency Response Fund, Country-based pooled funds, Disaster Risk Reduction, Private sector | Grand Bargain
  • WHS Commitments Attachments
    Transformation - 5E | Grand Bargain