Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)

What is the CERF?
The new Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), which is the first concrete outcome of the Secretary-General’s reform process and the  Millennium Summit, was launched on 9 March 2006.  The Fund represents an important international multilateral funding instrument that will save lives through the provision of quick initial funding for life-saving assistance at the onset of humanitarian crises.

Management of the CERF
The Fund is managed by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) John Holmes, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The ERC is supported by a small Secretariat housed within OCHA. A CERF Advisory Group has established, as an independent body, to provide periodic policy guidance and expert advice  to the Secretary-General on the use and impact of the Fund.

The Fund allows the UN to react immediately when a disaster strikes by making funding available for life-saving activities to eligible agencies such as UN and its funds, programmes, and specialized agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Objectives of the Central Emergency Response Fund
The CERF was created by all nations, for all potential victims of disasters. It represents a real chance to provide predictable and equitable funding to those affected by natural disasters and other humanitarian emergencies. The new CERF has three objectives:

- Promote early action and response to save lives;
- Enhance response to time-crucial requirements based on demonstrable needs;
- Strengthen core elements of humanitarian response in under-funded crisis.

Timorese children play on UNHCR emergency supplies in a village near Hera, Timor Leste on 21 June 2006. [Photo: UNHCR/Ng]

The UN agencies and their implementing partners will be able access the Fund within 72 hours of the crises, enabling more lives to be saved in the earliest moments of a disaster when people are at most risk.

This Fund will ensure a more predictable and timely response to humanitarian crisis.  The revamped Fund aims to achieve an overall target of $500 million and will add a grant facility of $450 million to the current $50 million revolving facility.

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A brief history of the CERF
The new CERF builds on General Assembly resolution A/RES/46/182, which aimed at strengthening the United Nation's capacity to respond to natural disasters and complex emergencies through the establishment of a Central Emergency Revolving Fund.  During the 56th session of the General Assembly in 2001, Member States endorsed several proposals made by the Secretary-General to expand the use of the CERF (A/RES/56/107).

On 15 December 2005, the General Assembly adopted, by consensus, resolution A/RES/60/124,  upgrading the former Central Emergency Revolving Fund to the Central Emergency Response Fund. 

CERF grant and loan facilities

Grant Facility - Up to US $450 million, depending on voluntary contributions received - Established in December 2005 by the United Nations General Assembly - Allows the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) to ensure coverage of life-saving programmes when funds are not available from other sources - Used to allocate funds to UN operational agencies to address critical humanitarian needs based on priorities established under the leadership of the the Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator in the field - Each applicant must justify the need for funds, taking into consideration other available resources.  If a donor pledge is forthcoming, the loan facility should be used.

Loan Facility - US $50 million available - Established in 1991 as the Central Emergency Revolving Fund.  The Revolving Fund is now managed separately as part of the upgraded Central Emergency Response Fund.    - Used to make loans to UN agencies for emergency programmes based on indication that donor funding is forthcoming - Loans must be reimbursed within 6 months. - US $337 million were disbursed in loans over the last 14 years. mp3 songs collection ipod movies downloads - Primarily used as a cash-flow mechanism allowing UN agencies to access funds rapidly while they are waiting for donor pledges to be transferred.