'More woe for world's most vulnerable'
International Committee of Red Cross appeals for £613 million to help fund humanitarian relief in 2009
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Thursday, 27, Nov 2008 04:31
The coming 12 months will see the world's vulnerable people come under further threat from armed conflict, rising prices and environmental problems, the Red Cross has warned.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is appealing to donors to help raise the 1.1 billion Swiss francs (£613 million) it needs to operate in 2009.
"What is striking about 2009 is the prospect of increased vulnerability of people already suffering the effects of armed conflict, such as those who are displaced or detained," said ICRC president Jakob Kellenberger.
The ICRC spends 996.9 million Swiss francs on field operations alone, with Sudan, Iraq and Afghanistan receiving the most aid from the committee.
A statement from the humanitarian organisation said that food aid, health supplies, water and sanitation programmes now made up 58 per cent of its budget.
Mr Kellenberger warned that the cumulative impact of armed conflict, high commodity prices, the economic and financial crisis and environmental factors – such as drought – will hit the poorest and most vulnerable people particularly hard.
"This is already the case in Somalia, Afghanistan and Yemen, where millions of people will need more assistance next year," he said.
"The ICRC will have to respond to their needs quickly and to sustain its response over time.
"By supplying not only food but also seed and tools, and by vaccinating livestock, making available micro-credit and providing training, we can help people to better cope with the impact of armed conflict. The ICRC also strives to pave the way for early recovery, even during emergency situations, in order to enable people to rebuild their lives."