UN, NGOs need $83.7 million to feed the vulnerable

UN agencies and partner NGOs would require US $83.7 million in 2004 to feed vulnerable populations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, according to the 2004 Consolidated Appeal Process (CAP) for the country, launched on Wednesday by the UN. This amount would come from a total of $187.09 million required in 2004 to provide protection and aid to populations in need. The UN reported that despite turning "a positive page in their political history" in 2003, the Congolese continue to suffer intensely from over five years of war that has left 3.3 million people dead and destruction throughout the vast central African nation. As a result of continued violence and displacement, especially in eastern Congo, the UN and NGO partners would require $25.3 million in 2004 to support the health sector, $11.5 million for agriculture, $8.8 million for coordination and support services and $8.2 million for economic recovery and infrastructure. Some $23.1 million would be required for multisector needs and protection. Human rights and the rule of law would require $9.5 million. "For agencies working together in the DRC, the overall goal is to alleviate and prevent human suffering by preserving lives, reducing vulnerabilities in affected communities and maximising coordination mechanisms to facilitate transition from relief to development," the UN reported. [The full text of the CAP Appeal for the DRC is available online on: www.un.org]