Geneva (Archyde.com)
The spokesman for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Jens Laerke, warned yesterday that the humanitarian organization’s projects are facing a record funding gap this year, as only a third of the required amount, amounting to $48.7 billion, has been secured so far, while global needs exceed the volume of pledges.
The money is needed to help some 204 million people around the world with armed conflict and climate change, such as the crisis in Ukraine and drought in the Horn of Africa, emerging as major drivers of “mega crises” threatening the livelihoods of entire communities.
“With the greater part of the year passed, the funding shortfall is $33.6 billion, which is the largest funding gap we have ever had,” Larke told a media briefing. “Needs in the world are increasing much faster than what is coming from donor funding.”
He confirmed that $15.2 billion had been collected by the middle of the year, also a record, in a year when humanitarian needs increased.
According to the website of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United States is the largest donor, contributing just over $8 billion, while the World Food Program is the largest recipient.
The amount requested, regarding $50 billion, includes all appeals launched by the United Nations around the world, such as annual humanitarian response plans in Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as flash appeals in Ukraine and those for Afghan refugees.
Larke said the money is for all UN humanitarian agencies and some NGOs.
