ReliefWeb

HIGHLIGHTS

• WFP warns of $30 million funding shortfall.

• CERF gives $4 million to support refugees in Khost and Paktika.

• Milder winter predicted as Humanitarian community prepares for winter

FUNDING

406 million requested (US$)

58% funded

Refugees in Khost, Paktika brace for winter

Over a million people have been forced to flee their homes in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) since the start of a full scale military operation by the government of Pakistan in June 2014. As host families warn of insufficient food supplies, many refugees fear that they will not be able to go home to Pakistan before the onset of winter.

While the majority of families have remained in Pakistan, a significant number have fled to Afghanistan. As of 27 September, a total of 33,026 families (25,123 families in Khost; 7,903 families in Paktika) had been assessed by UNHCR There are a reported 5,000 refugees in Spera district of Khost and an unconfirmed number of refugees in Paktika that have yet to be assessed.

Significant pressure has been placed on host communities, stretching already limited basic services. Priority humanitarian needs are food assistance, health care (including mental health support), mine clearance, shelter and water and sanitation services, With the onset of winter, UNHCR is working with key partners to support refugees. For most families, this will be the first time they have experienced sub-zero temperatures and there is an urgent need to provide shelter and clothing to this vulnerable population. including preparatory distributions in view of the harsh oncoming winter, especially for families staying in the open.

With the onset of winter, UNHCR is working with key partners to support refugees. For most families, this will be the first time they have experienced sub-zero temperatures and there is an urgent need to provide shelter and clothing to this vulnerable population. including preparatory distributions in view of the harsh oncoming winter, especially for families staying in the open.

In August 2014, the UNHCR Refugee Response Plan estimated an overall requirement of $25 million to meet the most acute needs of the refugee population (July-December 2014). CERF contribution of US$4 million will help cover some of the funding shortfall expected in meeting winterization needs of the population. However, additional funding is urgently needed to sustain the response throughout the winter period and into 2015.