FROM THE FIELD
Europe’s feeble response to the humanitarian crisis in Pakistan is hampering efforts to assist more than two million people who have fled the fighting, raising risks of prolonged suffering and instability, warns Oxfam International ahead of the first-ever EU-Pakistan summit on 17 June in Brussels.
In a new report “Too little, too slow: why more must be done to assist Pakistan’s displaced millions“, Oxfam reveals that most displaced people have not received adequate water, sanitation, food, healthcare, cash, information, and shelter assistance, especially those in unofficial camps and host communities where approximately 85 percent of displaced people are staying. Six weeks into the emergency, the United Nation’s revised appeal for €394 million ($543 million) was barely a quarter-funded - and most of that was given to support the exodus of people fleeing clashes last year. To date, the US has been by far the greatest contributor, having provided €48 ($68 million) or 12.5% of total needs, leaving European donors lagging behind.“This is the world’s biggest and fastest growing human displacement in over a decade. So far, Europe has not only failed to address adequately the immediate needs of more than two million people, but also risks missing opportunities to support longer term efforts to help stabilise a volatile region,” said Elise Ford, head of Oxfam International’s EU office. “With the humanitarian crisis threatening to escalate, time is running out.”Wealthy European states have committed tiny amounts to the UN emergency appeal. The world’s sixth richest country, the UK, is the second biggest donor to the appeal after the US, having given €12.7 million, just 3.2 percent of the requirements. The fourth richest country, Germany, has given 1.3 per cent. Italy has provided 0.3 percent, Netherlands 0.3 percent, Sweden 0.2 percent, and France 0.02 percent. The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) pledged just €5.5 million (1.2 percent) in mid May. “At tomorrow’s summit, the EU needs to not only seize the opportunity to address immediate humanitarian needs but also to take steps to bolster stability and reduce risks of future disasters by seriously investing into long-term recovery efforts and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict,” added Ford. “The Pakistani government’s response plan to the current crisis requires sustained support by the international community if it is to be turned into reality. The EU must support the Government of Pakistan to fulfil its obligations towards its citizens, and allow accountable and democratic civilian government institutions to lead an effective recovery and reconstruction plan.”  Note to editorsOxfam’s press release, 11 June: Pakistan aid effort in jeopardy due to lack of funds and UN blockage http://www.oxfam.org/en/pressroom/pressrelease/2009-06-11/pakistan-aid-effort-jeopardy-due-lack-fundsWorking with local partners, Oxfam International is planning to assist up to 360,000 people both inside official camps and elsewhere with water and sanitation, non-food items, cash grants, and hygiene promotion.[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
