Pakistan and UN launch recovery framework for flood victims

Daily Times (Pakistan): Pakistan and the United Nations (UN) on Thursday jointly launched the “Floods 2011 Early Recovery Framework”, requesting $440 million for restoration of livelihoods, and support for food security, basic social services, shelter, community infrastructure, health, nutrition, water and sanitation.

The government of Pakistan and the UN are working together to support millions of people affected by the devastating floods in 2011 in Sindh and Balochistan to recover their livelihoods. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, speaking on the launching ceremony, said the government appreciated support and assistance provided by the international community to the people of Pakistan during these testing times. “The United Nations agencies, foreign governments, donors, national and international NGOs and private philanthropy, all worked hand in glove with the national and provincial disaster management authorities and other relevant government agencies, while responding to immense needs in the affected areas,” he added.

According to the framework, during the early recovery phase, the government, the United Nations and its partners will support communities by engaging in planning and exploring solutions to reduce the devastating impact of the floods in 2011, and helping communities to quickly return to a normal life, while adopting measures for safer and more resilient living with better preparation to meet such challenges. Sheikh further said the government was committed to ensure transparency in utilisation of funds in all activities related to the framework, while at the same time would facilitate the international and humanitarian community for its smooth execution.

Speaking on the occasion, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan Timo Pakkala said the framework was a collaborative effort of the government, the UN and civil society to bridge relief to recovery. “It is critical that the international community supports this effort to make communities safer, more resilient, and better prepared in the event of possible future flooding and other disasters,” he added. “Further funding is critical, people are still at risk – especially during this pivotal time when people have moved home and crucial early recovery activities are needed to restore livelihoods and rebuild lives,” he concluded....

NASA image of 2010 floods in Pakistan