Switzerland provides additional funds for humanitarian needs in Sudan
November 27, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The government of Switzerland has contributed an additional $523,013 to the Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF) to help address growing humanitarian needs in Sudan making the total Swiss contribution to the fund $1,092,916 in 2014.
The Swiss ambassador to Khartoum, Martin Strub, said his country decided to release this second contribution to CHF before the end of 2014 due to the fact that the number of people in need remains at a very high level.
He hoped that the additional fund could help achieve an appropriate and well-coordinated humanitarian response.
Switzerland’s second allocation for 2014 comes at a time where humanitarian groups are addressing critical needs of affected people across Sudan.
Since the beginning of this year, the armed conflict has left 430,000 people newly displaced in Darfur. Also many parts of Sudan are facing alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly affecting children under five.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to over 105,000 people crossing the border into Sudan.
UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ali Al-Za’tari, said the second Swiss allocation would help agencies continue projects that address pressing and critical humanitarian needs in Sudan, underscoring the money will also benefit those who are most vulnerable, such as women and children, for whom healthcare and other life-saving assistance is often lacking.
This year, the Sudan CHF has received support from Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).
UK, Norway and Switzerland have provided second allocations, bringing the overall contributions in 2014 to $58 million.
(ST)