Menu
16/06/2004
Shortfall in donations threatens wellbeing of 50m people: UN
The wellbeing of 50 million people living in crisis-hit regions is under threat because of a $2.25 billion shortfall in aid, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said.
Despite some generous contributions, only 23.6% of the programmes being run by 168 humanitarian organizations to cope with 25 crises are being funded so far this year – a drop from 33% in 2002 and again in 2003.
Country appeals receiving the most meagre responses were Madagascar, which got $149,254 out of $9 million requested (1.7%) to handle drought and cyclones. Indonesia received nearly $1 million out of $43.2 million hoped for (2.2%) as the country experienced floods and earthquake. Donors gave Côte d’Ivoire $4 million out of $61.1 million (6.3%) needed.
“The response so far is too little, too late for millions of victims in forgotten emergencies. Timely and increased funding is essential for effective response,” OCHA chief Jan Egeland said.
Among the reasons for the cash crisis were the heavy donations of 2003 which depleted the funds available for 2004 and the “lacklustre economic situations in industrial countries" which have reduced donor governments’ resources.
The crises getting the best responses were located in Chechnya, Iran and West Africa, OCHA indicated in a table of requirements and contributions.
Chechnya received $29.78 million out of $60.1 million (49.5%), mainly for refugees. Iran got $15.9 million out of the $32 million (48.6%) that humanitarian and heritage workers estimated as necessary for its recovery from last year’s earthquake.
The West African sub-region, the location of recent and current civil conflicts, got $47.3 million out of $108.4 million (43.6%) it asked for to handle humanitarian emergencies, OCHA said.
(gmcg)
Despite some generous contributions, only 23.6% of the programmes being run by 168 humanitarian organizations to cope with 25 crises are being funded so far this year – a drop from 33% in 2002 and again in 2003.
Country appeals receiving the most meagre responses were Madagascar, which got $149,254 out of $9 million requested (1.7%) to handle drought and cyclones. Indonesia received nearly $1 million out of $43.2 million hoped for (2.2%) as the country experienced floods and earthquake. Donors gave Côte d’Ivoire $4 million out of $61.1 million (6.3%) needed.
“The response so far is too little, too late for millions of victims in forgotten emergencies. Timely and increased funding is essential for effective response,” OCHA chief Jan Egeland said.
Among the reasons for the cash crisis were the heavy donations of 2003 which depleted the funds available for 2004 and the “lacklustre economic situations in industrial countries" which have reduced donor governments’ resources.
The crises getting the best responses were located in Chechnya, Iran and West Africa, OCHA indicated in a table of requirements and contributions.
Chechnya received $29.78 million out of $60.1 million (49.5%), mainly for refugees. Iran got $15.9 million out of the $32 million (48.6%) that humanitarian and heritage workers estimated as necessary for its recovery from last year’s earthquake.
The West African sub-region, the location of recent and current civil conflicts, got $47.3 million out of $108.4 million (43.6%) it asked for to handle humanitarian emergencies, OCHA said.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 October 2004
Al Jazeera broadcasts footage of distressed hostage
The Arabic-language news service Al Jazeera has broadcast footage of the aid agency director, who was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this week, pleading for her life and begging Britain to withdraw its troops from the country.
Al Jazeera broadcasts footage of distressed hostage
The Arabic-language news service Al Jazeera has broadcast footage of the aid agency director, who was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this week, pleading for her life and begging Britain to withdraw its troops from the country.
11 May 2004
Hoon promises to act against 'abuse' soldiers
The government will "not hesitate to act" where British troops are found to have failed to uphold the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, the Defence secretary has said.
Hoon promises to act against 'abuse' soldiers
The government will "not hesitate to act" where British troops are found to have failed to uphold the Geneva Convention and International Humanitarian Law, the Defence secretary has said.
20 October 2004
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
Care suspends Iraqi assistance following Hassan kidnapping
The international aid agency, Care, has suspended its activities in Iraq following the kidnapping of one of its senior staff yesterday. Margaret Hassan, Care's country director in Iraq, was abducted yesterday morning in Baghdad.
07 June 2004
Pension Credit uptake passes three million mark
Government figures out today have revealed that over three million people are receiving Pension Credit. The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, found that as of the end of May there are now 3.03 million individuals (2.
Pension Credit uptake passes three million mark
Government figures out today have revealed that over three million people are receiving Pension Credit. The figures, published by the Department for Work and Pensions, found that as of the end of May there are now 3.03 million individuals (2.
01 June 2004
Dozens of countries face serious food shortages: UN
Thirty-five countries now face serious food shortages, including two dozen in Africa, according to a report released today by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
Dozens of countries face serious food shortages: UN
Thirty-five countries now face serious food shortages, including two dozen in Africa, according to a report released today by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
