2016-05-24 11:02:00

WHS: "More resources to humanitarian workers on frontline"


(Vatican Radio) With the world experiencing the highest level of humanitarian suffering since the Second World War, organizations and leaders from more than 50 countries have gathered in Istanbul for the second day of the World Humanitarian Summit.

Vatican Radio’s Linda Bordoni has attended the Summit over the last two days, and today spoke with Kristalina Georgieva, the European Commissioner for the Budget and Human Resources, who talked about the only concrete commitment signed at the Summit concerning the management of funds intended for humanitarian assistance.
 
Listen:
 
Georgieva explained that we are living in a world that is “becoming more fragile” and consequently there are increasing numbers of men, women and children who have their “lives devastated by conflict and disasters”. This means that more than ever, resources are needed to help those who are suffering. She says we must ask ourselves, “Why are they in need? Why are emergencies are deepening?” and, “what can we do to be more present and more effective?”
 
More resources to humanitarian workers on the frontline and fewer “resources in the back room”, is the necessary course of action, according to Georgieva. The Summit has crafted a mutual accountability agreement between those who fund and those who implement, with the aim of improving the way funds are distributed. Georgieva also stressed that “cash is always better” as it is “more dignified, more efficient and more effective”. There must be “discipline” and “collaborative efficiency” between donors and implementers, to ensure transparency of funds and less administration for humanitarian programs.
 
Due to widespread conflict in the Middle East, 80% of humanitarian assistance is going to Muslim countries,  and the majority of that is funded by non-Muslim countries. Georgieva said that this was a “very central issue” in regard to funding, and that “Muslims overall have a responsibility to come through”. The Summit is launching a number of initiatives on Islamic finance which can generate huge amounts of resources. At the same time, Georgieva said that it is “wonderful that people from the Muslim world are stepping up” as they believe it is time for them to bear responsibility.
 
Pope Francis addressed the Summit through a letter on Monday, expressing the need for a rejuvenated Europe. Georgieva noted that there is a “tendency to be conservative and cautious” in Europe, as a result of the aging population. However, she fully believes in the people of Europe, and that we must “find a way to amplify the voice of goodness in Europe and make that voice dominant” both internally and on the global scale.








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