Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018
45. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he, together with his EU and UN colleagues, continues to co-ordinate efforts to address issues of war, starvation, deprivation and human rights abuse at the most severely affected locations globally; if international aid continues to get to its intended targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3672/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scale of humanitarian crises globally continues to increase. The UN estimates that over 145 million people are now in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and protection, mainly as a result of conflict, but also natural disasters. $24.7 billion is needed in 2018 to respond effectively to urgent humanitarian needs. Humanitarian crises are complex in nature, frequently resulting in significant displacement, food insecurity, rising malnutrition levels, and serious concerns for the protection of civilians. Such crises require a coordinated response from the international community and, to this end, Ireland engages closely with our UN, EU, Red Cross and other partners. In 2016, over 75% of our humanitarian funding was provided through the UN and EU, with a similar amount in 2017. This coordinated response better enables us to reach those in urgent need of assistance. In 2017, despite the huge gap between the total requirements of the UN-led appeals and funding received, the international community provided record levels of funding and their coordinated response reached tens of millions of people, more than ever before, saving millions of lives. Ireland is the eighth largest donor to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) since it was established in 2012, enabling a rapid humanitarian response whenever and wherever crises hit. Ireland will take on a lead donor coordination role with UN OCHA in 2018, in addition to €2.9 million in core funding provided to support its coordination efforts.
Collectively, the EU and its member states are the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid. Through its EU budget contribution, Ireland provided over €25m to ECHO in 2016. Ireland will continue to prioritise funding for those with the greatest and most urgent need in 2018. The Irish Government will also continue to use every opportunity to advocate for the protection of and assistance to those in humanitarian crisis situations at both EU and UN fora.
