ID :
16416
Wed, 08/20/2008 - 00:39
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16416
The shortlink copeid
UN seeks USD 58 m from donors to aid victims of Georgian war
partners have sought USD 58.6 million from international donors to help nearly 130,000 people, affected by the recentGeorgian war, sustain the crisis.
"I hope the international community will show itself fully ready, capable and willing to help provide critically-needed assistance to the people of Georgia," Catherine Bragg, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator,said.
Bragg's statement comes in the backdrop of several humanitarian appeals going underfunded despite repeatedreminders.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (O.C.H.A.) says donors have already pledged USD 23 million towards the appeal, which will support the aid efforts of nine UN agencies and 16 non-government and internationalorganizations.
The conflict, which began over a week ago when Georgia attacked the breakaway region of South Ossetia and in which Russian forces also became involved, displaced close to 118,000 people, according to the UN High Commissioner forRefugees (U.N.H.C.R.).
The O.C.H.A. says humanitarian response has been challenging due to limited access. Those affected have also gathered at numerous sites making it difficult for both the Georgian Government and relief agencies to locate them andidentify their needs.
There have also been reports of property destruction andlooting of assets by civilians traumatized by the conflict.
"While the most acute phase of the violence appears to have passed, until there is firm peace in the country we must be prepared to respond to a critical and fluctuatinghumanitarian situation," Bragg said.
Limited access to the affected areas means airlifting of goods is still required and it is the only way to get supplies to the western part of the country. On Sunday, a UN convoy of relief supplies managed to enter the town of Gori for the first time in the past two weeks, bringing with it high-energybiscuits, jerry cans, kitchen sets and blankets.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has stressed the importance of providing appropriate health care and safe drinking water, sanitation and accommodation for those affected, adding that there have been no reported outbreaksof communicable diseases among the displaced so far.
Authorities in both Georgia and Russia have indicated that they currently are able to cope with the health needs that may arise, the agency said. W.H.O. has offered both governments its assistance and is in constant contact withofficials to monitor the health situation.
"I hope the international community will show itself fully ready, capable and willing to help provide critically-needed assistance to the people of Georgia," Catherine Bragg, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator,said.
Bragg's statement comes in the backdrop of several humanitarian appeals going underfunded despite repeatedreminders.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (O.C.H.A.) says donors have already pledged USD 23 million towards the appeal, which will support the aid efforts of nine UN agencies and 16 non-government and internationalorganizations.
The conflict, which began over a week ago when Georgia attacked the breakaway region of South Ossetia and in which Russian forces also became involved, displaced close to 118,000 people, according to the UN High Commissioner forRefugees (U.N.H.C.R.).
The O.C.H.A. says humanitarian response has been challenging due to limited access. Those affected have also gathered at numerous sites making it difficult for both the Georgian Government and relief agencies to locate them andidentify their needs.
There have also been reports of property destruction andlooting of assets by civilians traumatized by the conflict.
"While the most acute phase of the violence appears to have passed, until there is firm peace in the country we must be prepared to respond to a critical and fluctuatinghumanitarian situation," Bragg said.
Limited access to the affected areas means airlifting of goods is still required and it is the only way to get supplies to the western part of the country. On Sunday, a UN convoy of relief supplies managed to enter the town of Gori for the first time in the past two weeks, bringing with it high-energybiscuits, jerry cans, kitchen sets and blankets.
The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has stressed the importance of providing appropriate health care and safe drinking water, sanitation and accommodation for those affected, adding that there have been no reported outbreaksof communicable diseases among the displaced so far.
Authorities in both Georgia and Russia have indicated that they currently are able to cope with the health needs that may arise, the agency said. W.H.O. has offered both governments its assistance and is in constant contact withofficials to monitor the health situation.
