Since 2006 the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated nearly $10 billion to more than 110 countries through rapid, strategic funding that often arrives ahead of other sources of support, saving countless lives.
But with humanitarian needs increasing as crises multiply, “the tank is running on empty – with millions of lives at stake,” according to the UN. Secretary-General António Guterres said urging countries to reach the billion-dollar target.
“By creating CERF 20 years ago, the international community made a simple promise: when disaster strikes, help will come,” he said. “Today I ask you to renew this promise.”
Make a difference
The high-level pledging event came a day after the UN launched its 2026 Global Humanitarian Appeal, which calls for $23 billion to reach 87 million people most desperately in need across 50 countries.
“As part of this broader effort, CERF is our flexible first aid fund,” said the Secretary General.
“In many places, CERF has made the difference between life-saving help and no help at all. »
When humanitarian access was opened to Gaza, CERF helped ensure fuel supplies to power hospitals, water systems and other essential services. The fund was there when a full-scale war broke out in Ukraine in 2022, acting within hours.
About $110 million was allocated this year to neglected and underfunded emergencies, including Afghanistan and Somalia, while Caribbean countries received funds, evacuation assistance and critical supplies when Hurricane Melissa hit the region in October.
“The lights are flashing”
CERF receives support from member states, regional governments, international organizations, the private sector, individuals and other donors.
However, contributions have fallen sharply this year and are expected to reach their lowest level in a decade, said Tom Fletcher, the UN’s emergency relief coordinator. warned.
“When we are needed at our strongest, the warning lights flash,” he said.
“This is not just a funding gap; it is an operational emergency. And if CERF fails, then the world’s emergency services will be shaken and the people who rely on us will suffer.”
A woman who fled violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo receives postnatal care in a camp for displaced people.
Intensifier
Mr Fletcher announced a $100 million allocation for the world’s most underfunded emergencies, which he said was about a quarter of projected revenue for 2025.
Ireland and the Philippines co-hosted the event, and both governments stressed the importance of supporting the fund.
Ireland’s Minister of State for International Development, Neale Richmond, said his country would provide an additional €1 million in 2026, bringing the total contribution to €21.5 million.
While recognizing that “financing is not the only solution” to tackling humanitarian crises because “real political solutions are needed”, he said these remain elusive.
“A moral obligation”
“In the meantime, we have a moral obligation to ensure that people caught in crises that don’t necessarily make headlines, or have never made headlines, are not forgotten,” he said in a video message.
The Philippines has contributed about $1 million to CERF since its inception, starting with donations of about $5,000 to $10,000 in the beginning, growing to about $250,000 this year. An additional $200,000 will be paid in 2026.
Foreign Minister Theresa Lazaro recalled that CERF quickly allocated nearly $6 million just days before Super Typhoon Fung-wong made landfall in November, in addition to providing critical assistance during previous disasters.
“By empowering UN agencies to provide essential services like food, shelter and healthcare, CERF has been a beacon of hope for those affected,” she said in a video message.
source link eu news
