UN humanitarian agency wants record $22.2 bn in 2017December 5, 2016 - 13:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The UN's humanitarian aid coordination agency says it and partners require a record $22.2 billion next year to help people hit by conflict and disasters around the world, a 10 percent increase from the appeal for this year with war and disease wracking countries like Syria, Yemen and South Sudan, The Associated Press reports. More than one-third of the total expected need, or $8.1 billion, projected by OCHA aims to help people in Syria and refugees from there. Overall, the appeal announced Monday, December 5 from the Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs seeks to help nearly 93 million people either in 33 countries — nearly two-thirds of them in Africa. It is the highest amount the agency has ever requested, OCHA chief Stephen O'Brien said. "This is a reflection of a state of humanitarian need in the world not witnessed since the Second World War — more than 128 million people urgently need our support and solidarity to survive and live in safety and dignity." "More than 80 percent of the needs stem from man-made conflicts, many of which are now protracted and push up demand for relief year after year," O'Brien told reporters in Geneva. Appeals like the "Global Humanitarian Response" generally fall short of their targets and are based on estimations, but set important benchmarks for need around the world. OCHA said conflicts including those in Yemen, Syria, South Sudan and Nigeria were the main driver of the appeal. But it said in a statement that droughts from natural catastrophes and phenomena like El Nino "is pushing vulnerable communities to the brink of survival." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | About 32,000 rally in Yerevan to deman Pashinyan’s resignation About 31,700 people attended an opposition rally on Thursday, May 9 in Yerevan demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Viva-MTS: Tech solutions to modernize infrastructure of border village The border village has been the focus of Viva-MTS and the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Values since 2015. Ucom's fixed network launched in Artashat To mark this occasion, the company has introduced a special offer exclusively for Artashat residents. “By Your Side”: IDBank's new support program for displaced Artsakh citizens IDBank is launching a long-term social support program for forcibly displaced Artsakh residents. |