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New York: On Thursday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) launched a $ 6.4 billion emergency funding appeal to reach more than 190 million children affected by humanitarian crises during the coronavirus pandemic.
The appeal for 2021, which represents a 35% increase over the funds requested for this year, is the largest ever launched by the United Nations agency. It will support essential programs in 149 countries and territories.
Source: Humanitarian Action for Children 2021 | Overview
It is an “unprecedented” situation, said Henrietta Fore, Executive Director of UNICEF.
“Today we face a children’s rights emergency where COVID-19 and other crises are combining to deprive children of their health and well-being. This unprecedented situation requires an equally unprecedented response. “
‘Darkest of times’
He called on donors to contribute “so that together we can help the children of the world overcome this darkest period and prevent a lost generation”.
As the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, new humanitarian crises have erupted in recent weeks in the Tigray region of Ethiopia and in the provinces of Cabo Delgado in Mozambique, while powerful storms have devastated Central America and East Asia and emergencies protracted have worsened globally.
“When a devastating pandemic coincides with conflict, climate change, disaster and displacement, the consequences for children can be catastrophic,” Ms. Fore said.
As part of its humanitarian action for children, which defines UNICEF’s appeal for 2021, the agency expects to assist around 300 million people, including 190 million children. Priority sectors include education, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition, health and child protection.
The top five appeals under funding requirements for 2021 are for Syrian refugees ($ 1.0 billion), Yemen ($ 576.9 million), Democratic Republic of the Congo ($ 384.4 million), Syria ($ 330.8 million) and Venezuela ($ 201.8 million).
Donors pledge $ 932 million for UNHCR programs
Meanwhile, donor governments have pledged a record $ 932 million to the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, to support the provision of life-saving aid and protection to nearly 80 million refugees, displaced persons and stateless persons, in 2021.
The promises were announced Wednesday at the agency’s annual conference in Geneva.
Speaking at the conference, Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said: “Refugees fleeing conflict, persecution and human rights violations need our support now more than ever. We are encouraged by the commitments our donors have made today, which are a lifeline for millions of people who need help, hope and a home. ”
To fulfill its responsibilities and meet critical humanitarian needs next year, UNHCR has requested approximately $ 9.1 billion, including $ 8.6 billion for its 2021 Global Appeal, and approximately $ 455 million for its additional activities related to COVID-19.
In all, donors have committed over $ 1.1 billion to UNHCR programs in 2021 and beyond.
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