CERF allocates $1.5 million for re-establishment of WFP/UNHAS operations in Iraq
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Youth in Iraq [Photo: WFP]
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8 December 2010: $1.5 million has been allocated to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide leverage during the resource mobilization process in support of WFP/UNHAS operations in Iraq. The project aims to raise the necessary funds to improve access to air transport for all humanitarian and development across in Iraq, on a cost recovery basis. Specifically, WFP/UNHAS Iraq will complement existing DPKO-provided air service and boost air services between Baghdad and destinations within Iraq, as well Baghdad and Amman.
The currently available air service in Iraq does not adequately serve the needs of the UN and other humanitarian actors. Flights have unreliable schedules, problems with availability, inconvenient departure and arrival times, and occasional technical problems with aircraft. The commercial airlines providing international connections to Baghdad rely on the Baghdad Airport civilian terminal which is off limits to UN staff. Furthermore, the transport of humanitarian cargo is challenged by security issues and delays. These problems are further exasperated by the drawdown of US troops which further reduces the availability of air support.
[Last Update: 6 January 2011]