CERF allocates $3 million to provide emergency assistance to conflict-affected populations in Georgia
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IDPs in center of Gori, Georgia
[Photo: UNHCR]
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15 September 2008: The conflict in South Ossetia has left thousands displaced in Georgia. It is estimated that over 150,000 Georgians have been uprooted while much of the infrastructure health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. The humanitarian crisis has triggered CERF to provide rapid response funding to UN agencies on the ground.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is using a CERF grant to distribute beds, mattresses, blankets, clothes, and cooking items to 300 displaced Georgian families who had to leave their homes during the conflict. The 50 most vulnerable families are also receiving shelter repair kits.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is ensuring that conflict-affected Georgians are receiving adequate healthcare by coordinating humanitarian responders and the local health systems and keeping them informed of emergency health needs. The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) is addressing the risk of increased sexual and gender based violence and sexually transmitted infections by providing hygiene kits and equipment for the prevention and management of disease.
The World Food Programme (WFP) is partnering with Care International, World Vision, Save the Children, Mercy Corps and other NGOs to provide basic food rations to over 128,000 people in need using CERF funds. In addition, the UN Children’s Agency (UNICEF) is conducting a CERF-funded emergency water and sanitation project for 128,000 people in South Ossetia, Tbilisi and Gori. Working with Oxfam, Care International and IRD, UNICEF is making certain the safe water, sanitation, and hygiene needs of Georgian IDPs and returnees are met.
[Last Update: 26 September 2008]