LOC16:59
13:59 GMT
BRUSSELS, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced on Wednesday the allocation of an initial EUR-1.9-billion budget for humanitarian aid for 2026, at a time when around 239 million people worldwide are in need of assistance, while a number of major donors are cutting their funding levels.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said in a statement the commitment comes amid unprecedented pressure on the global humanitarian system.
She added that the humanitarian aid provided by the European Union focuses on saving lives in the most affected areas and includes the provision of emergency food, shelter and essential healthcare, in addition to protecting the most vulnerable groups and supporting children's education in crisis zones.
She explained that the initial allocation of EUR-1.9-billion includes EUR 557 million for West and Central Africa, the Sahel region, the Lake Chad basin, north-west Nigeria, Central Africa, Southern Africa, the Great Lakes region and the Greater Horn of Africa.
She added that EUR 448 million has been allocated to the Middle East, particularly the Gaza Strip following the fragile ceasefire, in addition to Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Lebanon.
In Eastern Europe, EUR 145 million has been allocated to meet humanitarian needs in Ukraine as the Russian invasion enters its fourth year, as well as an additional EUR eight million for humanitarian projects in Moldova.
A total of EUR 126 million has been earmarked to address humanitarian needs in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, in addition to EUR 95 million for Central and South America and the Caribbean, which are facing complex humanitarian crises due to armed conflicts, violence, political instability, acute inequalities and environmental challenges.
The European Union also allocated EUR 73 million to support Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly in relation to the Myanmar crisis and its repercussions in Bangladesh, and EUR 14.6 million for North Africa, which continues to face complex political, economic and social challenges.
In a related context, Lahbib affirmed that bridging the gap between record humanitarian needs and available resources requires new approaches, explaining that she will hold meetings in Davos with business leaders and investors to discuss ways for the private sector to contribute innovative solutions and new financing models to support humanitarian responses. (end)
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