DHA/95/11
The United Nations Department of Humanitarian
Affairs launched today a Consolidated Inter-Agency
Appeal for Iraq, for US$ 183 million covering the period 1 April 1995 -
31 March 1996. The international community is
invited to give its full support to the humanitarian programme at
the donors' consultation to be held today, 21 March in Geneva.
The Programme, which calls for a total of US $183.3 million, is designed to address only the most essential needs to sustain relief and rehabilitation activities as well as to prevent a further deterioration of the conditions affecting the most vulnerable population groups throughout the country.
Key priority sectors and activities covered by the Programme include health, water and sanitation, food aid and the reduction of malnutrition, education, agricultural support, as well as assistance to returnees/and refugees, including shelter and resettlement of internally displaced families.
Health conditions in Iraq have deteriorated considerably over the past four years due to shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies. This situation is further aggravated by the inadequate supply of potable water and poor sanitation facilities, as essential equipment and spare parts are lacking to rehabilitate the water, sewage and electricity supply systems. The Appeal calls for approximately US $16.3 million for the provision of basic health services and US $9 million for activities in the water and sanitation sector.
Food requirements are estimated at some US$ 49 million, to provide food aid to some 1.1 million vulnerable people in the northern, central and southern governorates.
UNICEF's proposed interventions in the nutrition sector are directed towards addressing problems of micro-nutrient deficiencies. Approximately US$ 11.2 million are required under the new Appeal to assist UNICEF's nutrition programme in Iraq.
To promote local food production and provide basic agricultural support to farmers, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will focus its activities on weed and sunnpest control, veterinary services and the supply of improved seeds.
With regard to education, the majority of primary schools throughout the country are in a state of disrepair and lacking school supplies. Approximately US$ 3.6 million are required for the implementation of UNICEF and UNESCO proposed activities in the education sector.
The continued presence of the United Nations Guards Contingent (UNGCI) is required in the three northern Governorates to protect United Nations and NGO personnel as well as assets and operations linked with the Programme. Inadequate funding to the Contingent during 1994 severely hampered its operations and resulted in a drastic reduction of UN Guards, now totalling 81. Some US$ 10 million are required under the present Appeal for the continuation of UNGCI activities until March 1996.
It is hoped that the international community will respond generously to this Appeal so as to enable the United Nations to meet the increasingly urgent humanitarian needs of the population in all parts of Iraq.
Press inquiries: Madeleine Moulin-Acevedo Tel.: (022) 917 28 56