“CERF is a success story for the United Nations,” Secretary-General António Guterres said at a major engagement event. “Funds are flexible and allow our partners in the field the freedom to provide the kind of support most needed.”
Prioritize the disadvantaged
CERF prioritizes those most likely to be marginalized and left behind, including people with disabilities, the elderly, women and girls.
Last year, more than half of the beneficiaries were women and girls, and nearly 6% were people with disabilities. CERF spending on protection hits a record more than $84 million.
This year, it has ensured that hundreds of thousands of women in Lebanon, Somalia and other countries receive services related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health care.
“In crises around the world, CERF offers people a glimmer of hope.
Support so far
To date, CERF has allocated more than $700 million to assist millions of people in need of emergency assistance across 40 countries.
This includes warm-up operations in Ukraine on February 24, the date of the Russian invasion, as well as rapid response to weather-related emergencies, such as in Cuba, which was devastated devastated by Cyclone Ian, and to aid recovery in Pakistan following the devastation of Cyclone Ian. floods and landslides there.
In 2022, CERF also provides $200 million to address worsening food insecurity in the worst-affected countries, as well as $250 million for humanitarian operations that have been disrupted. severe capital shortage in 23 countries in Africa, Asia, America and the Middle East.
‘Tried and tested’
According to the information that has just been revealed Global humanitarian overview339 million people will need urgent assistance next year – 65 million more than this year – a 25% increase and the highest number ever recorded.
“We are all facing tough economic times,” said the senior UN official. “But the most vulnerable are hit the hardest. CERF is the tried and tested way to help them.”
For 2023, 39 sponsors announced a $409 million contribution to CERF, just below the $467.7 million pledged at last year’s event.
However, more funding is expected as some donors announce that commitments are imminent.
‘Year of Solidarity’
Never met the CERF Member State’s annual funding target of $1 billion.
Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths thanked donors for their generosity, noting that the high level of humanitarian need far outweighs available resources.
“Next year must be the year of unity,” he stressed at the conclusion of the day’s pledge event.
