Britain to give £21 million boost to UN emergency aid fund amid warnings next year could be ‘even bleaker’ than 2017
International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt’s warning came as she confirmed the support for the United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund
BRITAIN will provide a £21 million boost to an emergency aid fund amid warnings next year could be “even bleaker” than 2017.
International Development Secretary Penny Mordaunt’s warning came as she confirmed the support for the United Nations’ Central Emergency Response Fund.
The money will help provide food, critical health services, clean water and sanitation to millions of people suffering from “harrowing” humanitarian crises.
Ms Mordaunt said: “While 2017 was a year of harrowing humanitarian crises, the truth is 2018 could be even bleaker.
“When we see suffering, we instinctively want to help. Britons are big-hearted, open-minded and far-sighted - qualities that define a great nation.
“This year, through UK aid and further public donations, we helped avert famines in Nigeria and Somalia, gave emergency help to the survivors of the Caribbean hurricanes and provided a vital lifeline to people suffering from conflict in Syria and Yemen.”
Her department saidthe UK provided £55 million as part of its CERF core funding in 2017, with the additional £21 million available from January 1.