ICRC expects that for the second year running, war-torn Afghanistan will be its most expensive operation
LONDON (AlertNet) - The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is asking donors for a record 1 billion Swiss francs ($1 billion) to fund its humanitarian work in countries wracked by conflict next year, the organisation said on Thursday.
The sum is 12 percent larger than the amount the ICRC appealed for a year ago. In addition, the organisation is seeking 183 million francs to fund its headquarters in Geneva.
“The proliferation of non-state armed groups, combined with the increasingly drawn-out nature of today’s conflicts, is inflicting new kinds of harm and suffering on people caught up in fighting,” ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said in a statement.
“They’re exposed to multiple risks, from suicide bombings to sexual violence, and many wind up living in a perpetual state of fear.”
The ICRC expects that in 2011, for the second year running, war-torn Afghanistan will be its most expensive humanitarian operation, costing more than 89 million francs.
The ICRC’s work in Iraq will require almost 86 million francs, followed by operations in Sudan and Pakistan, expected to cost 83 million and 82 million francs respectively, the group said.
Funds for the ICRC’s activities in Yemen, where it is focusing on helping people driven from their homes by fighting, will require the biggest top-up, growing to 49 million francs from 24 million this year.
“Not only do we need to meet acute challenges, like shortages of food, water or medicine, but we also have to focus more on addressing the indirect effects of hostilities, by ensuring for example that people have access to health care and by making counselling available for rape victims,” Kellenberger said of the ICRC’s annual global appeal.
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