Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
177. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the top ten flash points globally with the most serious abuses of human life, starvation, war and famine continue to be identified; if enhanced UN or global aid operations are in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3519/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe world is facing an unprecedented level of humanitarian need. In 2017, the UN estimates that 92.8 million people are in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, over 65 million people are displaced from their homes across the world, and $22.2 billion is needed to fund the global humanitarian response.
Ireland’s humanitarian response has been consistent to some of the world’s most severe crises, some rarely mentioned in the media, such as the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, as well as the crises in Syria, Yemen and Iraq. The core objective is to save and protect lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. Our assistance is focused on where needs are greatest, providing support to the most vulnerable and hard to reach populations, and we place particular emphasis on gender equality and protection.
In 2016, Ireland provided over €150 million in humanitarian assistance, reaching people affected by conflict and natural disasters. This amount includes Ireland’s contribution to the European Commission’s humanitarian action outside the EU, which has an annual budget of approximately €1 billion.
Ireland works with a range of partners to deliver our humanitarian assistance including NGOs, the UN and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Ireland’s UN partners lead the coordination of international appeals for humanitarian assistance, including through the UN Central Emergency Response Fund. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to this Fund, which has provided $4.6 billion in life-saving assistance to people affected by crises since 2005. Ireland is also a strong supporter of the UN pooled funds located in countries of particularly severe crisis in Africa and the Middle East.
The international community came together at the World Humanitarian Summit in May last year to reflect on how donors can deliver on the then Secretary General’s ‘Agenda for Humanity’ and the Sustainable Development Goals. Over 3,140 commitments were made by Governments and implementing partners, to strengthen humanitarian action, create sustainable solutions for those affected by crises, and ensure adequate humanitarian financing. I delivered Ireland’s national statement at the Summit making 35 specific commitments to achieve more sustainable and effective humanitarian action. We will continue to work closely with our international partners to ensure that the global humanitarian response is increasingly coordinated and effective.
