Sam Kutesa has called for increased funding to support refugees

Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa has called for increased funding to support refugees and host communities around the world

Speaking at the Central Emergency Response Fund’s High-Level pledging conference for 2017, at the UN Kutesa also highlighted the work and challenges faced by Uganda’s leaders and partners in implementing the transformational approach to addressing vulnerabilities and refugee needs in the country.

Kutesa however commended the work of the Central Emergency Response Fund in prioritization and responding to immediate humanitarian needs.

Rosa Malango, UN Resident Coordinator, Designated Official and UNDP Resident Representative in Uganda noted that CERF allows the UN to deliver as one and to have a targeted and holistic approach.

Since CERF was established in 2006, its annual funding target of $450 million has remained unchanged.

Over the past number of years, global humanitarian needs have quadrupled and more than 128 million people are in need of assistance today.

Following this 2016 Conference, 29 donors pledged almost US$273 million to the Fund to support urgent aid whenever and wherever crises hit.

Written by David Kugonza