US contributes $125 million to UNHCR

The US government on Monday announced that it would make an initial contribution of US $125 million for the 2001 programmes of the UNHCR. A statement by State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker said the contribution would help the agency assist the nearly 23 million refugees and other persons of concern during the early months of 2001. Each region in the world has been allocated a certain share of the contribution, of which Africa is to receive the largest single amount of $54 million, and Europe the second largest - $33 million. “The substantial allocation for Africa reflects our concern about the needs and standards of care for the millions of refugees in Africa,” the statement said. “The US believes that the protection and care of refugees and the pursuit of permanent solutions for the refugee crisis are shared international responsibilities and calls on other donors to strengthen their efforts in support of the programmes of the UNHCR,” it added.