Deputy UN Humanitarian Chief begins five day mission in the Philippines

(Manila/New York, 19 November 2011): The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator, Catherine Bragg, has started a five-day mission to the Philippines.

During her mission, Ms Bragg will visit both Manila and Mindanao to see firsthand how conflict and natural disasters have affected people in Mindanao. She will also meet officials and partners to discuss how to provide them with better protection and assistance.

“At least 698,000 people continue to require humanitarian aid in central Mindanao. This includes those displaced, people who have returned home or resettled elsewhere, as well as other vulnerable groups in need of assistance,” said Ms Bragg. She added that many require shelter, livelihoods and protection support.

In 2011 the UN and partners appealed for US$33.3 million as part of the Humanitarian Action Plan for Mindanao. Key gaps remain in health, food security, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter, protection monitoring and rehabilitation of basic social infrastructure.

With national Government partners, Ms Bragg will discuss how the international humanitarian community can best provide coordinated support to complement the Government’s response to natural disasters and preparedness.

“The Philippines is among the world’s most disaster-prone countries. The people of the Philippines live with the constant threat of typhoons, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions,” said Ms Bragg, adding that, “the international community is here to support the Government in providing the quickest and most effective response in times of crisis.”