Out of the £25.9 billion required by the United Nations for global humanitarian assistance programs for this year, only a quarter of it has been received. The UN has made fresh appeals to donors to meet and honor their pledges so that they can be able to facilitate and send out the aid in the much needed locations around the world.
The UN is well known for providing life-saving aid to people who are facing political unrest and crisis, draught and famine and disease outbreaks in third world and developing countries. Some of the basic needs they provide include needs like food , shelter, clothing ,and others like medicine, education, clean water , offering security and building toilets. Some of the countries the greatly benefit from the UN aid are in Africa such as Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia. Asian countries are also some beneficiaries of these funds in countries like Yemen. The United Nations also sends aid to developed countries that are hit by natural calamities like earthquakes, floods and raging storms.
In a recent statement, the United Nations stated that the number of people requiring their assistance and funds is growing by the day. New disasters, civil and political unrest keep cropping up, natural calamities and severe emergencies that come along with these catastrophic incidents are on the rise and thus the numbers are growing in size.
The new administration under President Donald Trump stated that they are considering running a review of the contribution that the US makes to the United Nation agencies. Based on figures from the UN, United States had made a contribution of £1.66 towards the appeal, which represents a quarter of the £6.2 billion so far received
In their original appeal in December the United Nations had requested for £22.2 billion for this year. However, with the flooding disaster in Peru, increasing drought in Kenya and intensifying in war in the Democratic Republic of Congo the number of people in dire need of basic aid has gone up to more than 140 million in more than 30 countries. As such the amount required will need to be reviewed upwards since it may not be sufficient to cater for the needs in these affected areas.
The UN has had overwhelming support from donors who have committed to help and support these efforts, but time is of essence when it comes to offering aid. When disaster strikes, it gives no warning and therefore the affected civilians are caught off-guard and they require emergency response such as medical attention supply of basic needs etc. According to Stephen O’Brien, the United Nation emergency relief coordinator, the lives of people in these affected areas and their general wellbeing is highly dependent on stepping up our collective support.
With the renewal of the humanitarian funds the UN will be able to meet its objectives of providing better living for the people and build up preventive measure of calamities such as disease, famine etc.
