<h6><strong>The Diplomat</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The Council of Ministers approved this Tuesday, at the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a new package of voluntary contributions to international organizations, programs, funds, and other international entities, amounting to €60,135,208.</strong></h4> "In accordance with the Government's political priorities, Spain has regularly made voluntary contributions to various international organizations, programs, funds, and other entities dedicated to issues such as the defense and promotion of human rights, the strengthening of international peace and security, development cooperation, and the fight against terrorism and international crime," the Ministry stated in a press release. "These contributions will serve to strengthen our international commitments and advance the fulfillment of official development assistance (ODA) objectives," it added. Half of the contributions, more than €30 million, correspond to organizations belonging to the United Nations system, such as the Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). In addition, a new contribution of €1.1 million is being allocated to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which will be used for the Office of the Prosecutor, victim support, and cooperation with national authorities. This contribution brings voluntary contributions to the International Criminal Court to €10 million starting in 2022. Furthermore, €3 million is being allocated to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Support for Ukraine is reflected in contributions amounting to €4 million, distributed among security and institutional and economic support. Likewise, in the area of security and defense, there will be a €3.5 million contribution to NATO, earmarked for various funds and programs. In the humanitarian area, "with special attention to the dramatic situation in Gaza and other areas of the Middle East," €6.6 million will be allocated to the International Committee of the Red Cross and an additional €4 million to UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. Funding will also be increased by €5 million for stability-building programs in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. In accordance with the priorities reflected in the 2025-2028 Foreign Action Strategy, €11 million will be allocated to various migration management programs in West Africa. "The Government's objective is to deepen cooperation with countries of origin to ensure safe, regular, and orderly migration, which results in the mutual benefit of our societies," according to the Foreign Ministry. Contributions will also be made to African regional organizations such as the African Union and ECOWAS. "These contributions are in addition to those approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation in February of this year, amounting to €34 million. With them, Spain is helping to maintain and strengthen the drive the Government is giving to Spain's international presence and to the defense of international law and multilateralism," the press release concludes.
