FAO’s Emergency and Rehabilitation Programme under the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Appeals for 2006
Every year, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General calls upon the international community to help millions of people whose lives have been devastated by natural disasters, conflict and other humanitarian emergencies. This annual appeal focuses on countries and regions undergoing protracted crises and complex emergencies where assistance is required not only to save lives but also to stop the situation from deteriorating and set the stage for development.
While the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) works in cooperation with other agencies to develop the strategies that underlay the appeal process, our role is unique in the UN family and international humanitarian community. In emergencies, FAO’s aim is to protect, restore and enhance the livelihoods of farmers and fishers affected by disasters. Whether by assisting destitute livestock herders to restock animals, providing seeds to refugees to help them resettle, or promoting community-based income opportunities for women, our goal is to improve the food security and nutrition of vulnerable groups during and after a crisis. By promoting self-reliance, we help people move away from dependence on food aid and other forms of assistance.
Most of the countries in this year’s appeal are in Africa, which continues to be plagued by violence, displacement, and endemic poverty. The situation is exacerbated by recurrent natural disasters as well as HIV/AIDS. In the West Bank and Gaza Strip, restricted movement and unemployment threaten food security. The international community is also appealing for aid for Nepal to prevent the country, suffering from conflict and food deficit, from sliding into a full-blown complex emergency.
The annual humanitarian appeal is meant to draw the world’s attention to these oftentimes forgotten emergencies and to remind the governments of donor countries of their international responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable of our fellow human beings. It offers the best available assistance supported by a thorough assessment of need. A rapid and generous response can also be very cost effective, since the economic and social fallout of disasters only rise over time. Countless lives are saved each year thanks to strong donor response to such appeals.
Given the immensity of the human suffering reflected in the appeal, it is easy to surrender to hopelessness. But the millions of vulnerable and poor whose lives are at risk cannot afford a lack of response. With the continued generosity of the donor community and the commitment of humanitarian partners, we can make this year’s appeal resound with a message of hope for those who need it most.
Anne M. Bauer
Director
FAO Emergency Operations and
Rehabilitation Division
