http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=48329#.U9DiwsyCOSM
UN allocates $75 million to boost aid operations in the Sahel, Horn of
Africa
Women carry rations distributed at the Doro refugee camp. Photo: Stephen
Graham/IRIN
23 July 2014 - The United Nations humanitarian chief today allocated $75
million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to bolster
desperately needed relief operations in two of the world's most neglected
regions: the West African Sahel and the Horn of Africa.
"With so many crises competing for attention, many people in need are
forgotten," said Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie
Amos, in a press statement today.
The money will go to 11 countries which were selected based on a global
review of critical aid operations that are facing funding deficits. It will
help relief agencies provide urgent aid to millions of people in these
regions affected by violent conflict, mass displacement and deepening food
insecurity.
"This allocation will help critical emergency operations in the Sahel and
in the Horn of Africa, regions with high levels of malnutrition and food
insecurity. People are hungry. Their plight was front-page news just two
years ago. These countries could fall back into crisis if we don't help
now," Ms. Amos said.
Countries in the Horn will receive $44.5 million. The largest single
allocation, $20 million, will go to Somalia, where 2.9 million people are
struggling to feed themselves.
Humanitarian agencies in Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea will receive $12
million, $10 million and $2.5 million, respectively. Another $30.5 million
will allow aid agencies to boost emergency operations in seven countries in
the Sahel including Niger, Cameroon, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mauritania,
Nigeria and Gambia.
This is the second of two annual rounds of allocations from the CERF
Underfunded Emergencies window, designed to ensure life-saving relief work
continues in countries where needs are high.
When CERF was established in 2005, humanitarian appeals sought $6 billion
in funding worldwide and by mid-2014, that amount has nearly tripled to $17
billion. Since its inception, the Fund has allocated more than $3.4 billion
for humanitarian agencies operating in 88 countries.
Received on Thu Jul 24 2014 - 06:45:11 EDT