OCHA Operations Director backs strong partnership with government of Pakistan; calls for donor support

(Islamabad/New York 25 April 2012): OCHA Operations Director John Ging has commended the effectiveness of the partnership between aid agencies and the Government of Pakistan in addressing the ongoing needs of some 7.2 million people affected by flooding and insecurity.

During a three-day visit to Pakistan, Mr. Ging discussed efforts by the Government of Pakistan and the humanitarian community to work together in Sindh and Balochistan to help 5.2 million people recover from the devastating floods and 2011. The Early Recovery Framework launched jointly by the UN and the Government in February includes building resilience against future crises by developing early warning systems and constructing homes which will withstand natural disasters.

Insecurity in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has led to the displacement of millions of people in recent years, most of whom have returned to areas declared safe by the Government and are working to rebuild their lives. However, since 20 January 2012, a further 200,000 people have fled security operations in Khyber Agency alone, increasing the total number of people displaced from FATA to 700,000 people.

“I am truly impressed at the speed and standard of the response,” said Mr. Ging during a visit to Jalozai camp, where thousands of displaced people have been arriving on a daily basis. “Now our preoccupation is with funding, as many agencies will run out of money by the end of May.”

The Government, donors, UN agencies and their implementing partners have given hundreds of millions of dollars to save lives and support recovery in Pakistan.

The United Nations estimates that a further US$840 million is needed to help families to recover from the effects of flooding and insecurity.

For further information, please contact:

Stacey Winston, OCHA Islamabad, Stacey.winston@undp.org Tel: 92 (0) 300 850 2397

Clare Doyle, OCHA NY, doylecm@un.org Tel: +1 212 963 5009, Cell: 646 288 6331

OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int