UN convenes a high-level conference to support CERF

(New York: 13 December 2007): The United Nations today convened a high-level conference in support of the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2008, as part of the ongoing process of humanitarian reform. In the first two years of the Fund's existence, 2006 and 2007, donors contributed over $650 million. This positive response is welcome as the UN hopes to see the contributions to the CERF in 2008 reach the total funding goal set out by a 2006 resolution of the General Assembly of $500 million, of which 50,000,000 is a revolving loan fund.

"I am delighted to see so many donors renew and strengthen their commitment to the humanitarian cause," said John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. "The CERF is crucial for our ability to assist quickly millions of vulnerable people around the globe, as it enables us to carry out immediate life-saving activities wherever and whenever required. I hope that 2008 will see even more countries, organizations and individuals joining us in support of this vital fund, as we continue caring for the world's poorest and least fortunate," he added.

Mr. Holmes hosted the high-level event that brought together those committed to ensuring that the fund continues to operate successfully, including senior officials from the international donor community, representatives of United Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and officials from countries whose populations benefited from assistance made possible by the CERF.

Mr. Srgjan Kerim, President of the 62nd session of the General Assembly, and the Deputy Secretary-General, Ms. Asha-Rose Migiro, also addressed the meeting, as did the Permanent Representative of Spain, His Excellency Mr. Juan Antonio Yánez-Barnuevo, and Mr. Paul Antoine Bien-Aimé, Interior Minister of Haiti.

The CERF helped to save millions of lives during its first two years by providing quick initial funding for lifesaving assistance and rapid response in sudden onset, rapidly deteriorating, and underfunded humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. It helped to redress the imbalances in global aid distribution that have too often left millions of people in so-called neglected or forgotten crises in need. Since its launch on 9 March 2006, the Central Emergency Response Fund has committed $595.3 million to humanitarian projects in 59 countries affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts. Since January 2007, the CERF has committed $212.9 million to rapid response grants in 48 countries and $124 million to underfunded emergencies in 23 countries. The United Nations encourages Member States and the private sector to support the CERF through multi-year commitments to ensure the sustainability of the Fund.

For further information, please call: Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; 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.