UNICEF appeals for 1,28 billion dollars for children in over 25 crisis zones

(January 28. 2012) UNICEF tabled the Report on Humanitarian Action for Children 2012, appealing Friday, for 1,28 billion dollars to help children and women in over 25 parts of the world. The report stresses the critical need for predictable, flexible funding to respond to both major and ‘silent’ emergencies Though the crisis in Somalia and in other countries of the Horn of Africa will need one third of the amount asked for, it is estimated that 97 million people need urgent attention, declared Rima Salah, vice Director General of UNICEF. “In the Sahel, we are facing a nutrition crisis of a larger magnitude than usual; the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad and the Central African Republic, to name just a few, are all emergencies requiring funding if the most vulnerable people, children and women, are to survive,” said Ms. Salah. In 2011 alone Unicef had organized vaccination, worming and vitaminisation campaigns for over 36 million children. “We have achieved many positive results in emergency settings in 2011, but the urgent and long-term needs of millions of children and their families will continue in 2012. UNICEF requires adequate funding in order to fulfil its commitments towards children. They not only represent the future but are the most vulnerable, and deserve generous and consistent support from the donor community,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Rima Salah.