17 August 2005
U.S. Gives Additional $26.1 Million to U.N. Refugee Program
Donation brings total U.S. 2005 contribution to $308 million
The U. S. Department of State has contributed another $26.1 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its 2005 Annual Programs to help address the needs of more than 19 million refugees and other persons of concern.
The contribution brings the United States' contribution to UNHCR in fiscal year 2005 to more than $308 million.
Text of the State Department media note follows:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
August 17, 2005
Media Note
U.S. Contributes $26.1 Million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees
The United States is pleased to announce an additional contribution to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) of $26.1 million for its 2005 Annual Programs. This contribution will help UNHCR address the needs of more than 19 million refugees and other persons of concern. This contribution brings the United States' contribution to UNHCR in fiscal year 2005 to over $308 million. The contribution will provide assistance in the following regions:
Africa $11.6 million
East Asia $ 1.1 million
Global Operations/Headquarters $13.4 million
UNHCR is a key partner of the United States Government in critical humanitarian endeavors in Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Chad, Liberia, Colombia, and throughout the world. U.S. support helps ensure refugees' lives and rights are adequately protected; their basic food, shelter, health, and education needs are met; and that they are able to return home once it is safe, or otherwise find a permanent solution to their plight.
The United States believes that the protection and care of refugees and the pursuit of permanent solutions for refugee crises are shared international responsibilities. The United States calls on other donors to strengthen their efforts in support of the programs of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
