Hungary confirms Budget for International Humanitarian Assistance

The Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade strengthens Commitment for Humanitarian Assistance

August 22nd, 2016

Nora Kelemen, CD News, CD News

Through an increased budget for humanitarian assistance, the Hungarian Government acknowledges the need for international humanitarian efforts, and aims to raise awareness of those most affected by humanitarian crises. The announcement of Hungary’s increased commitment comes as a run-up for the World Humanitarian Day, to be held on 19 August.

International aid organizations, relief teams and activists work to help populations hit by crises, and their work receives millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money every year; yet the gap between the needs of the vulnerable and the resources available to help continues to grow – announced the Hungarian Government. This gap currently amounts to USD 15 billion. The problem, however, is not exclusively budget-related: the operation of the humanitarian relief system is inefficient, and should be reviewed, according to the Government’s spokesperson. In May 2016 the United Nations presided over the World Humanitarian Summit, during which states and other stakeholders providing humanitarian assistance agreed to the establishment of a better functioning system.

Further in the announcement, the Hungarian Government declared its solidarity towards those affected by humanitarian disasters, and guaranteed its share in international humanitarian assistance.

In 2015 the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade provided a sum of HUF 435 million for humanitarian purposes, directly helping the respective bodies of the United Nations, the Red Cross, and other civil society organizations. Last year the Ministry spent most of its available humanitarian resources on relief to those involved in the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and dedicated funds on flood relief in the Western Balkans. The Ministry is continuing to support international organizations undertaking humanitarian tasks in 2016, but it has also provided help bilaterally: it provided emergency aid of HUF 1.4 million following the Ecuador earthquake. The Ministry sent non-perishable foodstuffs and disinfectants worth the same amount to Skopje after the devastating storm in Macedonia. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the National Directorate General for Disaster Management had HUF 18.8 million at its disposal for relief following the storm.

References:

• http://www.kormany.hu/hu
• http://www.kormany.hu/hu/hirek
• http://www.kormany.hu/hu/kulgazdasagi-es-kulugyminiszterium/hirek/humanitarius-vilagnap

See more at: http://www.cd-n.org/index.php?hungary-confirms-budget-for-international-humanitarian-assistance