UN appeals for $861 million in aid for Iraq
The United Nations has launched an appeal for $861 million in aid to help Iraq cover its 2016 funding gap for tackling a humanitarian crisis caused by the Takfiri militancy.
"We want to use this money to reach 7.3 million people. These are the most vulnerable people in Iraq," said UN humanitarian coordinator for Iraq Lise Grande at a press conference in Baghdad on Sunday.
"Our top priority is to get to the people who are in the most trouble and to give them what they need in order to survive - food, cash, shelter, water," Grande said.
Iraq has said it can only manage to cover less than half of the $1.56 billion it has foreseen to help about 10 million people who are in need now as the country's revenue has fallen significantly due to oil price slump.
"The government has its back against the wall because the price of oil is so low, and that's why we're asking the international community to be generous," said Grande.
Meanwhile, the UN says the number of displaced people in Iraq is estimated to increase this year.
"Depending on the intensity of fighting and the scale of violence in the months ahead, 11 million Iraqis, perhaps even 12 to 13 million, may need some form of humanitarian assistance by the end of 2016," the UN said.
"More than 500,000 people are expected to flee their homes during the year, the majority from towns and districts along the Mosul and Anbar corridors," it added.
Iraq has been gripped by a crisis since summer 2014, when Daesh Takfiri group overran parts of the country in the west and the north. The military and allied fighters have recaptured key towns like Tikrit in the northern province of Salahuddin.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi vowed recently that 2016 will be the year to mark the purge of Daesh from Iraqi soil.
US occupation forces in Iraq, Syria hit in two separate attacks in 24 hours
Iraq won’t tolerate violation of its sovereignty, PM tells Erdogan
Why bombing Hashd al-Sha’abi base in Iraq will backfire on Israeli regime
Ukraine launches drone strikes on Russia's energy sites
VIDEO | Anti-US sentiments grow in Iraq as US military presence unresolved
Jamaica officially recognizes state of Palestine
Raeisi attends inauguration of Iran-built mage multipurpose project in Sri Lanka
'Sinwar still supervising Gaza war; Israel deliberately delaying talks on captives'
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
UK's Rwanda deportation plan morally disgraceful
VIDEO | Raeisi inaugurates Iranian-built mega multipurpose project in Sri Lanka
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
