Islamabad, 19 September 2022 (TDI): The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) commended the United States’ remarkable new commitment of US $2 million in humanitarian aid for flood response operations in Pakistan.
This cash will be sent to communities devastated by monsoon floods, where it will assist in life-saving initiatives as well as the reconstruction of community facilities like as schools, hospitals, and shelters.
The revelation comes as Pakistan continues to battle with the consequences of climate change-related severe weather, with devastating monsoon rains and floods displacing more than 33 million people and causing massive destruction, damage, and over 1,400 fatalities.
Across the country, 81 districts have been affected, with more than half of them hosting Afghan refugees.
The donation of the United States underscores the country’s sustained commitment to cooperation and responsibility sharing with Pakistan, one of the world’s largest hosts to refugees.
“We are pleased to announce two million dollars in humanitarian assistance to support UNHCR’s flood response, providing lifesaving items to flood-affected Pakistanis and Afghan refugees in three provinces and helping to rebuild communities,” said the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome.
The additional funding from the United States supplements the existing US contribution of $33 million for UNHCR’s planned programs in 2022, which focuses on enhancing living standards, increasing the capacity of national education and health facilities in refugee-hosting communities, and supporting the pursuit of refugee solutions.
In response to the flooding, UNHCR is on the ground providing life-saving assistance to Afghan refugees and host communities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan provinces, as well as rushing relief, including emergency shelter, hygiene items, mosquito nets, solar lanterns, and blankets, to flood-affected areas in southern Sindh province.
“As relief arrives in country, the focus has to remain on getting assistance out to affected communities as fast as possible,” said UNHCR Representative to Pakistan, Noriko Yoshida. “For decades, the United States has steadfastly supported UNHCR’s work in Pakistan, and this contribution further bolsters our emergency response efforts.”
For more than four decades, Pakistan and its people have housed millions of Afghan refugees, with around 1.3 million officially registered in the nation.
Also read: UNHCR provides 7000 tents for flood victims
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