Late and inadequate contributions from donor agencies prevented humanitarian groups from meeting the actual needs of displaced communities in Pakistan, a report analyzing the impact of humanitarian reforms in the conflict-stricken country reveals. This report, released by Oxfam International, shows that acknowledgement by donors of the extent of humanitarian needs in Pakistan and their subsequent response to these came too late. Funding gaps in early recovery, education, agriculture and other sectors continue to exist to date, Oxfam states.
To address these gaps and improve the efficiency of humanitarian efforts in Pakistan and other countries, Oxfam calls for faster and more adequate funding for emergency situations and stronger commitment to needs-based responses. It also urges Pakistan and top humanitarian aid agencies to organize a workshop by the end of 2009 to discuss the lessons learned from the country's experience.