Norsk Folkehjelp

Norsk Folkehjelp is a non-governmental organization, which has focused its work on clearing landmines. Norsk Folkehjelp is one of several Norwegian NGO's contributing in the difficult situation in Sri Lanka after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) was founded in 1939. NPA is the labour movement’s humanitarian organisation for solidarity. The organisation support people in their struggle for more power and greater influence over their own lives and social development.

NAP has been accused for smuggling military equipments and helping terrorism in Sri Lanka and Sudan.

NPA is a membership-governed organisation with approximately 12,000 members organised in local groups across the country. First aid, mountain rescue and disaster preparedness are central tasks for the voluntary groups. Other areas arethe management of refugee reception centres and volunteer centres, anti-racist activities and work for the elderly anddisabled.

Internationally, NPA is engaged in more than 30 countries. Local foundation is the key to sustainable projects and that is why NPA always work through local partners and local authorities. NPA is one of the world’s foremost organisations in humanitarianmine clearance and works actively in Norway and internationally to obtain a ban on landmines.

The four fundamental pillars of NPA work:• The fight against oppression, poverty and unjust distribution• The fight against racism and discrimination• Work for equality and against violence and injustice• Prevention, voluntary engagement and competence-building

External links

* [http://www.folkehjelp.no/ Norsk Folkehjelp]
* [http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080728_02 An article published on the official web site of the Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka, accusing NPA for helping terrorism]
* [http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20080728_10 An article on the response from the NPA]