(Rome/Geneva/New York, 14 December 2012): Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valerie Amos, called today for US$8.5 billion to help an estimated 51 million people who will need urgent humanitarian relief in 2013. Ms. Amos made the appeal on behalf of the UN and international humanitarian organisations working in 16 crisis-affected countries around the world.
“Humanitarian needs continue to grow around the world and there are millions of people in need as a result of the impact of disasters and conflicts. People need our help and support as they strive to rebuild their lives,” Ms. Amos said at the launch of the Humanitarian Appeal 2013 in Rome.
The global appeal for 2013 includes 16 national appeals for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, occupied Palestinian territory, Philippines, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
“The ongoing global economic crisis means that fewer resources are available, yet we are seeing large numbers of people living in crisis situations due to poverty, conflict and natural disasters,” said Caritas Internationalis Secretary General, Michel Roy. “It’s vital that donors support us, through the consolidated appeals, to carry out this joint humanitarian work.”
“Working jointly in these 16 countries, we are strengthening our response. We are meeting the urgent need for food security and nutrition, shelter, water, health and other basic needs, while simultaneously helping communities recover from emergencies. A unified response can save lives and help communities become more resilient,” said WFP's Executive Director, Ertharin Cousin.
The consolidated appeal for 2013 is the culmination of a process in which 520 aid organizations including United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and other international organizations have come together to coordinate operational plans and funding requests to meet ongoing needs in a strategic and comprehensive way.