Q1 2014 SUMMARY
In the first quarter of 2014, CERF was crucial in supporting coordinated humanitarian action in most urgent crises worldwide. At the start of the quarter, three system–wide level 3 (L-3) emergencies were in effect: in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Philippines and Syria. In February, another L-3 was declared in South Sudan where conflict has displaced over one million people and left 5 million in need of humanitarian assistance.
In response to these and other crises, the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) allocated US$100.7 million from CERF in the first quarter of 2014. Although the demands for humanitarian action and how it should be delivered varied significantly in each situation, CERF played a key role in ensuring appropriate and timely funding for life–saving relief for millions of people.
Almost $58.1 million was allocated to help humanitarian partners kick-start critical relief work in 10 countries. Of the $95.5 million that was set aside to sustain emergency aid operations in 11 underfunded crisis, $42.6 million was allocated in the 1st quarter.
The ERC’s capacity to respond to these crises with timely and substantial allocations was made possible by the early fulfilment of donor pledges. By the close of the first quarter of 2014, the donor community had contributed $220.7 million to CERF for 2014. That is over 50 per cent of total pledges and one of the largest amounts contributed since the launch of CERF in 2006.
