$1bn needed for humanitarian crisis in North East – UN

Edward Kallon, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, says additional $1bn is required to respond to the humanitarian crisis in the North East zone of Nigeria.

Speaking on Tuesday at an online event and launch of a $1bn 2021 Humanitarian Response for the Northeast, Kallon said over the years, while needs had continued to grow; funding had, however, been dwindling.

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He said even if the UN system had all the funds it sought, to assist those affected; only peace could solve the challenges.

He said from the over $700m raised in 2017, the UN was only able to get over $50m in 2020, whereas food needs rose from 2.8m people in 2017, to 5.6m people in 2020.

“This year, we’re asking for another $1bn. Last year, we asked for $1bn.

“I still remember the beginning of this operation in 2017, when member states responded so generously, and over $920bn was realized. In 2018, their contribution was over $80bn, 2019 we saw this drop to $70bn, in 2020, we got roughly $590m.

“If you look at this trajectory, you see a steady drop in the financial response. What’s not changing is that the needs are increasing.

“Two years ago, food needs was around 2.8 to 3 million people, this year, we’re talking about 5.6 million people. So, we have two dynamics we’re dealing with today. While funding is taking a deep decline, we’re seeing humanitarian needs rise,” he said. (NAN)