United Nations Seeks $58.6 Million for Georgia

Press-Release of the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator

Tbilisi, 19 August 2008 — The United Nations today launched a Flash Appeal for $58.6 million to meet emergency humanitarian needs created by the recent conflict in Georgia in the presence of Prime Minister Vladimer Gurgenidze and Minister of Labour, Health and Social Issues Alexander Kvitashvili. 
Speaking at the launch ceremony held at the Tbilisi Marriott Hotel, Robert Watkins, UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, said: “Funding raised through the Flash Appeal will complement other financial resources already committed by the Government and the international community. These financial resources constitute a significant and increased commitment towards this crisis, however, further donor support will be valuable to meet the immediate needs of the displaced people”.

Funding is urgently required for food aid, health and nutrition, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene, shelter and non-food items.

Currently, the main problems facing the country include lack of access of the international relief effort to people trapped in conflict zones, and precarious access to food and basic social services.

The United Nations agencies will work in close collaboration with both non-governmental organizations and government departments. 

The Flash Appeal, a consolidated plan for all of the international humanitarian aid community in Georgia to support the most vulnerable, including displaced persons and communities at risk, will be revised regularly following needs assessments.

The Appeal will fund humanitarian aid over six months for more than 128,700 displaced people

For further information, please contact:
Keti Ghioshvili, UN Information Officer, +995 32 251126, ketevan.ghioshvili@unic.org