Humanitarian agencies seek $58.6 million in Flash Appeal for Georgia crisis

(New York, 18 August 2008): Relief agencies today issued a joint Flash Appeal for $58.6 million to fund the emergency effort to help tens of thousands of people affected by the crisis in Georgia.

The funds will support international partners - nine UN agencies and 16 non-governmental and international organizations - in addressing the needs of some 128,700 people displaced and affected by the conflict in Georgia over the next six months until February 2009. Current requirements of those affected by the crisis include food; health and nutrition; protection; shelter and non-food items; and water, sanitation and hygiene.

"This flash appeal is about helping vulnerable people in serious need. I hope the international community will show itself fully ready, capable and willing to help provide critically-needed assistance to the people of Georgia," said Ms. Catherine Bragg, United Nations Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, noting that already donors had pledged $23 million.

Humanitarian response has been challenging due to limited access. Those affected have also gathered in numerous sites making it difficult for both the Government of Georgia and relief agencies to locate them and identify their needs.

"In addition to displaced persons, we remain seriously concerned about the plight of other affected populations - many of whom we have yet to reach and assess the extent of their needs," added Ms. Bragg. There have been reports of property destruction, looting of assets and civilians traumatized by the conflict. "While the most acute phase of the violence appears to have passed, until there a firm peace in the country we must be prepared to respond to a critical and fluctuating humanitarian situation."

Despite these difficulties, the humanitarian response has so far been well-coordinated by both the government and international agencies. Response was rapidly organised through a Humanitarian Coordination Group, comprising United Nations agencies, international organisations, NGOs, Government and donor representatives. Relief supplies have been airlifted in and delivered mainly to affected people in and around Tbilisi. The appeal will be revised in the coming weeks as the trajectory of the needs become clearer.

For further information, please call: Dawn Elizabeth Blalock, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 318 8917, John Nyaga, OCHA-New York, + 1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570; OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int