:quality(85)//cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/ZV4AF4PVWLMC2JGBBGIDPD7O4Q.jpg "UN agencies ask for 5.3 billion for Ukraine and refugees 1")
GENEVA (AP) — United Nations refugee and humanitarian aid agencies said Wednesday they are requesting $5.6 billion to help millions of people in Ukraine and countries that have taken in those who have fled. the Russian invasion almost a year ago. .
Most of the funds – $3.9 billion – go to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, which aims to help more than 11 million people by channeling funds through more than 650 partner organizations.
For its part, the UNHCR, the agency for refugees, is asking for 1.7 billion to come to the aid of some 4.2 million people who have fled to 10 host countries in Eastern and Central Europe.
The request, which is one of the largest of its kind for a single country, could receive significant funding from Western countries, as was the case with a similar request after the start of the war. These types of UN requests are rarely fully funded.
“Last year we were relatively well funded. I think the refugee petition was over 70% funded. It’s not the total, but it’s a lot.
The request comes at a time when a series of crises around the world have tested the generosity of wealthy donors.
“Of course, this is not the only crisis in the world, added Grandi. There are many others who deserve it. I have just returned from Ethiopia and Burundi. Who is talking about Burundi? I am sorry but that’s the reality and people need help as much as anywhere.”
The UNHCR appeal does not include Russia. His figures, drawn largely from those provided by national governments, show that Russia has accepted more than 2.8 million Ukrainian refugees.
According to Grandi, Moscow obtains funds for these refugees “from other sources”, including unallocated funds.
“If necessary, we are ready to do more for any Ukrainian in need in Russia,” he said. “The offer is on the table and it is available.”
According to the UN, humanitarian groups helped nearly 16 million people in Ukraine in 2022, including in areas not controlled by the Kyiv government. More than a third have received cash assistance, which can help bolster the struggling national economy.