Let me at the outset congratulate you for organizing the 10th Anniversary High-Level Conference on the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).  This is most timely as we are faced with unprecedented humanitarian emergencies throughout the world.

 

 

2. Humanitarian emergencies require immediate attention.  Any delay in providing assistance can have long term consequences.  There is indeed a need for coordination and partnership to meet these challenges.  The CERF has been playing a critical role in this respect.

 

 

3. CERF with its effective coordination mechanism has been successful in catering to needs pertaining to humanitarian emergencies.  The funds are released immediately if the request for the same meets CERF's criteria i.e. needs are urgent and proposed activities will save lives.  For immediate relief in cases of cyclone, earthquake or tsunami, CERF helps to address these challenges through its Rapid Response Window.  We also take note that CERF also provides funding to world's most neglected and underfunded crises.  

 

 

4. We note that CERF has provided funds for humanitarian emergencies in around 50 countries in 2014.  South Sudan, Sudan, Ethiopia are three largest recipients in 2014.  In our region, CERF has funded efforts in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Myanmar.  In terms of allotment, funds were transferred to sectors like food, health, water and sanitation.

 

 

5. India has been in the forefront of humanitarian action. India has been responding to several global humanitarian relief operations in keeping with our resources and capabilities. More recently in contributing to the Ebola Trust Fund and evacuating Indians as well as many foreign nationals from war-torn Yemen in 2015. The relief and rescue work provided by India in the aftermath of earthquake in Nepal this year was done in consultation and coordination with the Nepalese Government. India has endeavored to be the early responders in cases of humanitarian crisis.

 

 

6. India has contributed USD 500,000 to CERF in 2014.  I am happy to announce that Government of India would be contributing US $ 500, 000 (US Dollars Five hundred thousand) to the Central Emergency Response Fund for the year 2015-16.

 

 

7. In conclusion, we reiterate our support to the efforts of CERF.  We would do our utmost within our capability to alleviate suffering of people resulting from humanitarian emergencies.  We sincerely hope that CERF will contribute to play an important role in providing funding to the humanitarian emergencies.  On our part, we will closely coordinate with CERF in these endeavours.