UN humanitarian chief visits Gunilla Carlsson
John Holmes, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA), visited Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson on Thursday. The purpose of the visit was to - despite the international financial crisis - continue efforts to keep the spotlight on the increased need for humanitarian aid in the world.
Gunilla Carlsson in meeting with John Holmes
According to John Holmes, the financial crisis will in time possibly impact the very poorest people in the world. In the short and long term, the ongoing food crisis and especially climate change are contributing to more frequent natural disasters, which dominate the everyday lives of the very poorest and increase the need for humanitarian aid. Last year alone, the UN issued 15 flash appeals following various natural disasters This year the number will be even higher.
Holmes urged all world leaders not to allow the financial crisis to overshadow all else. He also called for continued support to OCHA and took the opportunity to thank all the countries, and especially Sweden, that have given OCHA their support. John Holmes hopes that countries' humanitarian budgets will remain firm and not be affected by the ongoing financial crisis.
