The United Arab Emirates has pledged US$ 1 million to the United Nations' Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for 2016.

The announcement was made by the UAE yesterday at a high-profile meeting which was organised by the UN at its main Headquarters in New York to mark the CERF's 10-year anniversary. The conference brought together senior representatives from UN Member States and Observers, UN agencies, non-governmental organisations, foundations and the private sector to pledge their commitments to the Fund.

In its statement, the UAE confirmed that CERF plays an effective role in mobilising international humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of peoples in the most pressing conditions in new, continuous or long-term cases through providing the UN institutions with the necessary assistance.

The CERF supports rapid humanitarian response for people affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. The fund receives voluntary contributions year-round to provide immediate funding for life-saving humanitarian action anywhere in the world.
Source: AFP