Janez Lenarčič: Global Humanitarian Funding Crisis

The gap between humanitarian needs and resources available continues to widen, says Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management.

He added, “At the same time, funding needs are very high, as conflicts multiply and the climate crisis worsens.”

He was speaking as the EU Commission outlined his plans for humanitarian aid this year.

It says it is committed to humanitarian budget of more than €1.8 billion for this year.

He said, “In 2023, the funding gap reached new record levels as not even 40% of the USD 56.7bn that were needed, were provided.

“In the face of this disturbing trend, the European Commission will continue to fund humanitarian action in support of the most vulnerable, no matter who and where they are across the world.

“And we will continue to advocate for and mobilise the international community to collectively close this alarming funding gap.

“At the same time, we will continue to proactively contribute to strengthening cross-sectorial collaboration, especially with development actors, to build local resilience so as to provide a lifeline to those in need and lift as many people as possible from aid dependency.

“Last year, the EU took an important step in this direction by establishing a voluntary target of GNI to be set aside for humanitarian aid by our Member States.

“However, this globally shared responsibility cannot be shouldered by Europe alone.

“In 2023, over 91% of contributions come from just 20 donors, among which top three – the European Commission included – provided 58% of globally available humanitarian funding.

“This is unsustainable. It is therefore essential that the international community finds a more balanced and fair way to fund humanitarian assistance, in line with capabilities of each individual country,” said the EU official.

Photographer: Alain ROLAND 

Copyright: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP

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Read also: Commissioner Janez Lenarčič in Kyiv to welcome Ukraine into  EU Civil Protection Mechanism

Ukraine has become a Participating State of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism – the European solidarity framework that helps countries overwhelmed by a disaster.

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