Norway provides $1.6 million for humanitarian needs in Sudan
November 3, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Norwegian government has contributed an additional $1.6 million to the Sudan Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF), following an $8.4 million contribution earlier this year to help address the country’s growing humanitarian needs.
Morten Aasland, Norway’s ambassador to Khartoum, said that CHF provides timely assistance and fills critical gaps in the world’s response to humanitarian needs in vulnerable parts of Sudan.
He pointed this year have witnessed an unprecedented number of large scale humanitarian crises in different parts of the world including Sudan’s two neighbors South Sudan and the Central African Republic besides the ongoing conflict in Syria.
“This creates enormous pressure on funding. But at the same time, there are substantial humanitarian needs in Sudan particularly in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile and it is very important that we reach those in need without unnecessary complications,” he added
According to a statement issued by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Monday, Norway’s contribution will allow humanitarian groups to provide urgent assistance to those affected by food shortages due to conflicts and floods.
“The funding will also allow the UN, international and national NGOs to work in remote areas in Darfur and East Sudan also to meet growing needs of refugees who have fled violence in South Sudan,” the statement said.
UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, Ali Al-Za’tari, said the number of people in need of humanitarian aid in Sudan has risen by 800,000 people since the beginning of this year, with some 6.9 million people now requiring assistance.
“Norway’s generous contribution will allow agencies to address the critical humanitarian needs of thousands facing food insecurity, malnutrition and lack of healthcare in remote and underfunded regions across Sudan,” he added
Since the fund’s inception in 2006, the government of Norway has generously allocated US $137 million. Currently CHF funded projects are providing critical assistance across Sudan, to Internally Displaced People (IDPs), refugees and local communities.
The Sudan CHF is a multi-donor pooled fund that supports the timely allocation and disbursement of funds to Sudan’s most critical humanitarian needs. To date, it has received and granted over one billion dollars to aid organisations in Sudan.
(ST)