Japan donates US $ 59 mln to UNHCR for flood operations

ISLAMABAD, Feb 23 (APP): The Government of Japan has donated over US$ 59 million in support of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)’s efforts to assist flood affected Pakistani communities and Afghan refugees throughout Pakistan.This contribution of US$ 59,023,750 will benefit around 700,000 local people in all the provinces of Pakistan and over 80,000 Afghan refugees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, who were severely affected by the floods last year, said a press release on Wednesday. With this funding, UNHCR will build 18,000 one-room shelters for the families affected by the floods, especially those where women are heads of household. The UN refugee agency will also distribute tents and plastic sheeting, together with basic household items like the kitchen sets to flood survivors mainly in Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Infrastructure is also important and, working in close cooperation with the authorities, UNHCR plans to repair water supply systems, and build or rehabilitate basic health clinics and schools. The Government of Japan is the largest contributor to UNHCR’s emergency flood response, and has been an active supporter of Pakistan in times of need. “The response of the Japanese people, and its government, to our humanitarian initiatives for flood-affected Pakistanis and Afghan refugees, has been outstanding,” said Mengesha Kebede, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan. “This donation will bolster our capacity to respond to the requirements of most needy people in a timely manner,” added Mr. Kebede. To date, UNHCR 2010-2011 flood appeal for US$ 186 million has been funded almost 90 per cent.