Launch of the "Flash Appeal" of the United Nations and partners for the response to the Sudan floods

WHAT: A press conference by the United Nations, in support of the Government, on the launch of the "Flash Appeal" for the response to the floods that are currently devastating many parts of the Sudan. [On this occasion, the press conference takes place in lieu of the regular bi-weekly humanitarian press briefing. The humanitarian briefings will continue to occur regularly at bi-weekly intervals every two Tuesdays, unless otherwise announced]

WHO:

- H.E. Mr. Hassabo Abdel Rahman, Commissioner, Humanitarian Affairs Commission (HAC), Republic of the Sudan;

- H.E. Mr. Simon Khun, Commissioner, Southern Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC), Government of Southern Sudan;

- Mr. Oluseyi Bajulaiye, acting United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sudan;

- Representatives of donor countries, as well as United Nations agencies and NGOs participating in the "Flash Appeal", may also be available to answer questions.

WHEN: Tuesday 28 August 2007, 11:30 - 12:30

WHERE: UNMIS Headquarters, Press Room (fourth floor)

Information embargoed until Tuesday 28 August 2007, 12:30

(Khartoum: 27 August 2007): The United Nations will launch an appeal on Tuesday 28 August, requesting the international community to generously fund the response to the floods that are currently devastating many parts of the country.

The appeal, known as "Flash Appeal" to distinguish it from regular annual appeals for many of the world's humanitarian emergencies, will request a total of US$ 19.4 million, for projects managed by seven United Nations agencies, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and 16 NGOs.

The humanitarian officials of the Government, together with the United Nations acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, will present the appeal, which contains an overview of the situation, a forecast on further flooding and potential new needs, as well as details of the planned response and the funding requirements.

The press conference will immediately follow a closed-door meeting between appealing agencies and donors, in which pledges are expected to be made. Information on this might therefore become immediately available to the media at the press conference.

All speakers will be available to answer questions. Some representatives of donor countries, as well as United Nations agencies and NGOs participating in the "Flash Appeal", may also be available to answer questions.

For further information, please contact:

Maurizio Giuliano, Public Information Officer, United Nations, Khartoum, Sudan, Email: giuliano@un.org, Telephone: +249-9-12174454

Nahla Zarroug, Information Analyst, United Nations, Khartoum, Sudan, Email: zarroug@un.org, Telephone: +249-9-12160065