United Nations humanitarian fund releases US$9.5 million for critical aid operations in North-Western Pakistan

(Islamabad, 10 April 2014): The United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated US$9.5 million (920 million Pakistani rupees) to help meet the needs of the more than 1 million people who remain displaced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) in Pakistan due to insecurity.

The funding comes at a crucial time, as significant humanitarian needs remain in KP and FATA, yet aid agencies have limited resources to meet those needs.

"This money will save lives by ensuring that humanitarian organizations can continue to support the Government's efforts to help the most vulnerable men, women and children in KP and FATA,” said Timo Pakkala, the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan.

The funds will give life-saving food aid to 980,000 people; primary health care for 500,000 people; critical water, sanitation and hygiene services for 200,000 people; nutrition services for 65,000 people, including malnourished children; and emergency shelter and non-food items for 14,000 people.

The UN estimates that some $283 million are required to maintain essential humanitarian services in KP and FATA this year. So far, $100 million have been received, leaving a considerable funding gap. “It is important to ensure that the basic humanitarian needs of displaced people and families returning to their homes in FATA continue to be met,” Pakkala said.

Pakistan is the fourth-largest recipient of CERF funding globally at a total of $177.7 million since 2007 and the sixth-largest in 2014, having received 6.22 per cent of the $152.3 million allocated to date this year.

The CERF is funded by voluntary contributions from UN Member States, non-governmental organizations, local governments, the private sector and individual donors. Since 2006,the CERF has allocated more than $3.4 billion for humanitarian operations in 88 countries and territories