UN reports record humanitarian aid shortfall

[Rex Brynen]

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 !

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.)