donors

International agency Oxfam today called on governments meeting at today's Iraq donor conference to generously fund both urgent efforts to help victims of ongoing violence and longer-term support. 

Oxfam and more than 30 non-governmental organizations have welcomed the ambition demonstrated at the ‘Supporting Syria And the Region' donor conference in London to increase the scale and scope of the humanitarian response to the Syria crisis, but said that overall pledges for 2016 fell more than $3 billion short of what was urgently needed.

In response to billions of dollars being pledged by governments today to help Syrians engulfed in the country's conflict, Andy Baker, Regional Program Manager for Oxfam's Syria crisis response said: "The London conference is a potential turning point. But while money for aid is vital, it will not solve the crisis."

Rich countries meeting in London this week must commit to real changes that will improve the lives of millions of Syrians. The aid funding and resettlement places offered so far have often been so low as to be little more than token gestures. Syrians in need are waiting for actions not just kind words and promises.

International humanitarian agencies issue a grave warning ahead of crucial donor conference for South Sudan, stating millions of people risk plunging deeper into crisis if urgent funding is not delivered. 

Aid actors estimate that $8.7 billion is needed in 2015 to support 18 million people in Syria and neighbouring countries, the equivalent to a little more than one US dollar per person per day.

The bulk of money pledged at the global donor conference to rebuild Gaza will languish in bank accounts for decades before it reaches people unless long-standing Israeli restrictions on imports are lifted, Oxfam said today. 

Speaking from Oslo at the conclusion of the Oslo Conference, Oxfam’s Country Director for South Sudan Cecilia Milan said:

As rains cut off humanitarian access and increase risk of the spread of disease, increased donor funding is critical to saving lives in South Sudan

Inequality is central to Oxfam’s mission to fight poverty.