UN missing funds sought for Central, East Africa

May 15, 2009 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations said today only 27 percent of the funds needed for its planned relief efforts in Central and East Africa have been donated, with 67 percent missing for the Sudan portion.

The UN had launched a request in November known as the “Consolidated Appeals Process,” asking for funding for relief programmes in Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.

The 2009 UN and partners work plan for Sudan was US$2.189 billion.

The United Nations Office for the
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported today that pledges to the Sudan programmes so far total $731.6 million, or 33 percent of its request.

Shortfalls in Central African Republic reached 78%, in Uganda 98%, in Chad 65%, in Kenya 84%, in DR Congo 77%, and in Somalia 74%.

In just one region where aid is provided, Darfur, some 4.7 million people rely on humanitarian aid. It is the largest humanitarian aid operation in the world run by the United Nations and other aid groups.

(ST)