UN allocates $100M to boost response to humanitarian crises in 7 countries

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The UN on Tuesday released $100 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support "underfunded humanitarian emergencies" in seven countries in Africa, the Americas, and the Middle East.

In a statement, the UN said Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths released the fund, with the crises in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Syria topping the list, receiving $20 million each.

"The new allocation is among the smallest in recent years for the world’s least-financed crises. This reflects the reduced funding that CERF received in 2023, its lowest since 2018, and the dire reality that donor funding is failing to keep up with soaring humanitarian needs," it added.

Last year, to support 250 million people affected by conflicts, natural disasters, diseases and other crises, global funding requirements surged to $56.7 billion, a record high, however, the statement warned that less than 40% of that funding was received, leaving the most vulnerable people to bear the brunt.

"The new emergency infusion of funds will help sustain life-saving humanitarian support to people facing the world’s worst crises. It is a reminder of CERF’s crucial role at a time of immense needs and chronic underfunding of humanitarian appeals, said Griffiths.

"Yet with donations at their lowest level in recent years, CERF's life-saving impact is itself facing a serious challenge," he noted, adding it is now "more critical than ever" that member states provide full and timely resources to the fund.

Along with Congo, Sudan, and Syria, the fund will be allocated to Chad ($15 million), Niger ($10 million), Lebanon ($9 million), and Honduras ($6 million), according to the UN.