Posted by: thepinetree on 04/14/2016 01:54 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 04/14/2016 01:54 PM
Expires: 01/01/2021 12:00 AM
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The United States Contributes $421 Million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
New York, NY...The United States is pleased to announce an initial contribution of nearly $421 million of humanitarian assistance toward the 2016 global appeal for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). This brings the total U.S. Government contribution to UNHCR to nearly $698 million to date in FY 2016. Additional U.S. contributions in support of UNHCR’s invaluable work on behalf of refugees will be forthcoming over the course of this year.
The international community is currently witnessing a refugee crisis of global proportions. As more than a million people made dangerous journeys across the sea into Europe this past year, millions more refugees in countries around the world continue to hope for a brighter future and a more promising path to a better life. This year’s initial contribution, funded through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will support UNHCR efforts worldwide. This contribution will support the protection, local integration, and resettlement efforts of refugees from countries such as Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. U.S. humanitarian aid will also support the life-saving provision of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to millions of refugees, internally displaced persons, and other persons under UNHCR’s care and protection in countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Colombia, South Sudan, and Kenya.
The nearly $421 million announced today is in addition to the $191 million contribution to UNHCR for their Syria operations announced earlier this year by Secretary Kerry at the “Supporting Syria and the Region Conference” in London.
In Fiscal Year 2015, the United States contributed more than $1.3 billion to UNHCR to support continuing and emergency programs around the world. This included nearly $352 million to UNHCR for the continuing role it plays in responding to the Syria crisis.
The world faces enormous challenges today, as millions of refugees seek the dignity and safety that can only be achieved through an unprecedented global response. That is why the United States strongly encourages other governments to contribute to UNHCR’s 2016 Global Appeal, which is currently only 25% funded. We salute the important work of UNHCR, the many NGOs with which it works, and countries hosting refugees around the world.
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