Donors to be asked to pledge funds for UNHCR 2012 programmes

UNHCR is holding its annual pledging conference in Geneva on Thursday 15 December. The conference is an occasion for us to present our Global Appeal for 2012 and 2013 and to ask government donors to support our work in ensuring the protection and well being of forcibly displaced and stateless people worldwide.

In October, UNHCR's Executive Committee approved a biennial budget of US$ 3.59 billion for 2012 and US$ 3.42 billion for 2013.

Next year's budget is US$ 260 million lower than this year's budget, which had to be revised upwards during the course of 2011 because of a succession of crises including in Cote d'Ivoire, Libya, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, and the floods in Pakistan. The 2012 budget includes all additional needs that were known at the time of planning for these ongoing emergencies.

As in previous years, our global refugee programme remains the largest component of 2012 requirements at some US$2.7 billion, almost half of which are for operations in Africa. Projects for internally displaced people amount to some US$ 575.7 million while global reintegration activities total some US$246.4 million. Programmes such as combating HIV/AIDS, water and sanitation, green energy projects, together with headquarters and regional support will require some US$329 million in 2012, equivalent to 10 per cent of total requirements.

The 2012 budget also includes US$268 million for operational reserves, intended for new emergencies and other unforeseen needs.

The outcome of this important annual event will provide us with two important indicators - namely the funding level with which we can begin activities in 2012, and the likely overall support level for the remainder of the year.

With the exception of a small contribution from the UN's Regular Budget, UNHCR is entirely funded by voluntary contributions - both government and private. We continue to expand our traditional donor funding base and are increasing our engagement with the private sector. It is our hope that the international community will continue to support our efforts to provide for the urgent and serious humanitarian needs of the world's displaced people and to ensure minimum standards of protection and assistance.

For further information on this topic, please contact:

In Geneva:

• Melissa Fleming on mobile +41 79 557 9122
• Adrian Edwards on mobile +41 79 557 9120
• Andrej Mahecic on mobile +41 79 200 7617