The United Nations launched its 2012 consolidated appeal for Somalia on Tuesday (Dec. 13) with a call for timely response from donors. It warned any delays in mobilizing funds would be disastrous for the millions of Somalis still in dire need of assistance.
The United Nations appealed for $1.5 billion to fund 350 projects led by different U.N. agencies. This new appeal is 50 percent higher than last year’s $1 billion appeal.
“With the humanitarian situation expected to remain critical well into next year, early and full funding for the [consolidated appeal process] 2012 is essential,” said Mark Bowden, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Somalia, according to the Guardian. “This life-saving plan will only be achieved if donors pledge and commit early.”
This call for early and full funding of the appeal was echoed by relief group Oxfam International, which said it is crucial to “get enough funding to help people cope with the situation before the next harvest in the spring.”
Donor response to the 2011 appeal, which is so far 80 percent funded, was sluggish at first and only picked up after the United Nations declared some parts of southern Somalia under a state of famine. Experts said the international response could have had a bigger and more significant impact on the crisis if funds were made available early on, the Guardian reports.
Bowden has expressed optimism that donors will respond positively to the 2012 appeal, despite some concerns U.N. agencies might not be able to reach parts of southern Somalia controlled by the militant group al-Shabab. UNICEF and five other U.N. agencies were among the aid groups affected by the group’s latest ban on aid operation in areas under its control.
The United Nations said its agencies are increasing engagement with new partners in the south to be able to reach hardest-hit communities. But the Guardian says there have been concerns the entry of new donors and new aid groups in Somalia could complicate relief efforts on the ground.
Bowden said the United Nations is working to improve the coordination of its activities with those of other actors such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
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