UN reports record humanitarian aid shortfall

UN reports record humanitarian aid shortfall

Globe and Mail
Laura MacInnis
GENEVA — Reuters
Last updated on Tuesday, Jul. 21, 2009 11:31AM EDT

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The United Nations on Tuesday revealed a record $4.8-billion funding gap for its 2009 aid projects as a result of strained foreign assistance, widespread economic trouble and a ten-fold increase in needs in Pakistan.

“This recession is driving up humanitarian needs,” UN Emergency Relief Co-ordinator John Holmes told a news briefing in Geneva, where he held meetings with donor nations who will soon set their 2010 aid budgets.

A financing report prepared for those sessions stressed that the United Nations has received less than half the $9.5-billion it sought for humanitarian work this year. Yet some 43 million people need assistance this year, up from 28 million in 2008.

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Perhaps rather than treating symptoms, the UN may want to re-examine its accounting and procurement practices to more efficiently use the money they do have...

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Originally Posted by IntelTrooper

Perhaps rather than treating symptoms, the UN may want to re-examine its accounting and procurement practices to more efficiently use the money they do have...

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Of course, that would require that the UN politicos be actually accountable to someone - unlikely :cool:.

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Originally Posted by marct

Of course, that would require that the UN politicos be actually accountable to someone - unlikely :cool:.

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Much easier to call for more money and point accusing fingers....:rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Steve Blair

Much easier to call for more money and point accusing fingers....:rolleyes:

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Too true - just ask any Canadian, we know all about overpriced bureaucrats and politicos ;)! It's really too bad since tehre actually are people who believe in public service although, I'll admit, they're rare as hen's teeth at the UN :eek::D!

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Originally Posted by marct

It's really too bad since tehre actually are people who believe in public service although, I'll admit, they're rare as hen's teeth at the UN :eek::D!

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Although I realize its said partly in jest, Marc--but I will say I know a great many UN folks who put enormous effort into their work precisely because they believe in what they are doing.

On the broader issue of UN effectiveness, there are certainly inefficient UN staff and UN organizations. Those working frontline humanitarian assistance, however, generally do it quite well--and that's what the press report is addressing.

(I could add, on the issue of cost-effectiveness, that the $9.5 billion that the UN is seeking for 43 million people in crisis is equal to less than 2% of the US defense budget.)

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Originally Posted by Rex Brynen

(I could add, on the issue of cost-effectiveness, that the $9.5 billion that the UN is seeking for 43 million people in crisis is is equal to less than 2% of the US defense budget.)

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I think many here would be in agreement that US defense spending is also way out of control.

Hi Rex,

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Originally Posted by Rex Brynen

On the broader issue of UN effectiveness, there are certainly inefficient UN staff and UN organizations. Those working frontline humanitarian assistance, however, generally do it quite well--and that's what the press report is addressing.

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Agreed on the frontline crowd - I know some of them and part of my dislike of the UN as an organization stems from watching good people trying to do a hellish job while parasites suck up their resources.

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Originally Posted by IntelTrooper

I think many here would be in agreement that US defense spending is also way out of control.

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no question...:wry:

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Originally Posted by Ken White

no question...:wry:

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I accept this award on behalf of all sarcastic, repressed, overtaxed Americans.. :p

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Originally Posted by marct

Hi Rex,



Agreed on the frontline crowd - I know some of them and part of my dislike of the UN as an organization stems from watching good people trying to do a hellish job while parasites suck up their resources.

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Quite so. I don't slag the dedicated frontline folks. It's the bloated bureaucracy that tends to get me.