|
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
FAO to participate in global launch of
UN funding appeals
k A community garden project
funded by the 2000 UN Consolidated Appeal at a
refugee camp in Mtabila, Tanzania
(Tanzania/22213/E.
Eliah) pj Click below to learn more
about two successful projects funded by last year's
appeals: p Every year the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) launches appeals to donor governments for humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable populations in crisis areas. The 2001 appeals focus on relief efforts led by UN agencies in response to 19 humanitarian crises. In Rome, activities will highlight the humanitarian needs of Angola, Somalia and Tajikistan -- countries whose recent histories have been marked by civil conflict, compounded in the cases of Somalia and Tajikistan by periods of extreme drought. Helping farmers get back on their
feet "FAO's role is to help farmers affected by disasters get back to producing food as soon as possible," says Anne M. Bauer, Chief of FAO's Special Relief Operations Service. Through the Special Relief Operations Service, FAO provides immediate relief in response to requests for emergency agricultural assistance by distributing seeds, tools, fertilizers, agricultural equipment, and veterinary and feed supplies, including animals for breeding. FAO also assists in rehabilitating irrigation structures and offers technical advice, coordinating all emergency assistance programmes related to agriculture. Last year, FAO appealed for US$145 million to fund emergency activities in more than 14 countries and regions. Focusing on women in war "The loss of seeds, livestock and tools during armed conflicts threatens women's ability to feed their families," says Sissel Ekaas, Director of FAO's Women and Population Division. "The fear of sexual violence as well as physical injuries compounds the trauma of war for women. This is particularly true in remote rural areas far from media coverage. As a result, such violations are often either ignored or unreported." FAO is currently collaborating with the World Food Programme on a set of training guidelines for relief workers to facilitate gender-sensitive needs assessment and planning in emergencies. The draft guidelines will be completed by the end of 2000 and field tested early next year. In October, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted its first resolution on women, peace and security -- another indication that the Women and War theme is firmly on the UN agenda. The resolution calls for the prosecution of crimes against women, increased protection of women and girls during war, more female staff in UN peacekeeping operations and field missions, and increased participation by women in decision-making processes at the national, regional and international level. The goal is to view women not just as victims in situations of armed conflict but as essential partners in the peace process. 27 November 2000
Related links
Comments?: Webmaster@fao.org |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
