ICRC appeals for 905 million Swiss francs to cover its humanitarian activities in 2004
09-12-2003 News Release 03/80
Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) presented its priorities and funding requirements for 2004 to the press today. It is appealing for over 900 million Swiss francs for humanitarian work in some 80 countries.
The budget submitted to the donor community at ICRC headquarters in Geneva includes 755 million francs for field expenditure and an additional 150 million francs to cover organization-wide projects and the coordination and support provided by headquarters.
Among the 10 largest operations in terms of funding will be those in Iraq, Sudan, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Israel and the Palestinian territories. As regards Iraq, a revised appeal can be expected in early 2004 once the current operational review has been completed.
Presenting the budget and priorities for next year, ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger said that “in pursuing its goal of providing protection and assistance for people affected by armed conflicts and violence, the organization would, more than ever, advocate and act in 2004 for an independent humanitarian identity and response.” He emphasized that the ICRC‘s main concern, as always, would be to work in close proximity to people affected by conflict, regardless of who they were and where they might be.
Mr Kellenberger also stressed that the volatile security environment and the narrowing scope for humanitarian action was of particular c oncern to organizations like the ICRC, which operate independently on the basis of principles of neutrality and impartiality. He added that diplomatic and financial support from donors and the community of States was crucial to achieving the ICRC's aim of making a difference to people in need.
For further information, please contact:
Annick Bouvier, ICRC Geneva, tel. ++41 22 730 24 58 or ++41 79 217 32 24