The guiding principle behind the CERF is to save lives by accelerating the allocation and disbursement process in the context of disaster management.
Since its launch on 9 March 2006, the CERF has committed US$ 291.1 million to over 360 urgent humanitarian projects in 36 countries, spanning the globe in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. An additional US$ 85 million has been allocated in February 2007 to strengthen core elements of humanitarian response in under-funded crises in 15 countries. US$ 214.2 million went to jump start humanitarian response in rapid onset crises or sudden deteriorations of existing crises in 28 countries. US$ 161.9 million went to under-funded crises in 24 countries*. Click here for a breakdown of CERF grants per sector, agency, and country.
Donor support for the CERF has also been strong: since its establishment, 72 partners -- including Member States, local government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector -- have deposited US$ 399.4 million with the CERF. In 2007, 49 states, one local government and two private organizations have pledged almost US$ 342 million, with paid contributions at US$ 100.8 million*. In its founding resolution, the General Assembly called for the grant component of the CERF to reach a funding level of US$ 450 million by 2008. Click here for pledges and contributions to the CERF.
“I welcome all that the CERF has accomplished in the past year, and look forward to consolidating and furthering this progress as the Fund continues to evolve,” said John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. “While the generosity shown by donors has been impressive, I hope to see more countries, organizations and individuals joining us in partnership to support this unique, life-saving fund, which aspires to be from everyone and for everyone.”
Expressing his support for the work of the CERF, James Morris, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) – the largest recipient agency of CERF funds during the first year – said, “WFP often struggles with breaks in the food pipeline for its beneficiaries, sometimes in genuinely difficult environments like Darfur. We always welcome new avenues to receive support and appreciate donations through the CERF. We are working with our partners in OCHA to make the CERF as responsive and effective as possible.”
While many CERF grants in 2006 went to humanitarian crises where civilians are caught up in armed conflict, the majority of the funds were used to respond to natural disasters. Afghanistan, for example, received US$ 32.3 million to respond to needs arising from the drought and the security situation, and Kenya received US$ 27.1 million to address drought, the influx of Somali refugees, and flooding. The Democratic Republic of Congo received USD 38 million for malaria control and cholera response in conflict affected areas as well as mine action activities and protection for returning refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Sudan received US$ 35.5 million to meet needs in Darfur arising from the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation and to provide time-critical common services.
Moreover, since the CERF’s establishment, the provision of financial assistance has accelerated tremendously. For instance, approval of start-up funding for aid programmes in rapid onset emergencies - such as the armed conflicts in Lebanon and Timor-Leste - came within 72 hours. This speed enabled UN agencies to assist people immediately by drawing against their reserves.
Early funding delays in some cases, as policies were being worked out, have been addressed. In 2007, the CERF will seek to support the wider humanitarian reform by continuing to broaden its partnerships through inter-agency collaboration and expanding its donor base, provide equitable balance to neglected emergencies, and support coordination under the leadership of resident /humanitarian coordinators. At all levels, NGOs must be enabled to benefit more from the Fund. The 2007 internal evaluation of the CERF also aims to improve the functioning of the Fund. Finally, training on CERF procedures will continue in 2007 for both UN agencies and NGO partners.
Click here for press release.
* Figures accurate as of 5 March 2007