United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

U.S. Contributes Additional $72.5 Million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

The United States is pleased to announce an additional contribution of $72.5 million to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for its 2005 Annual Programs, bringing the U.S. contribution to UNHCR for fiscal year 2005 to over $231 million.

This funding will allow the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to aid approximately 17 million people. This contribution will provide assistance as follows:

Africa - $45.8 million

Central Asia/Southwest Asia/North Africa/Middle East - $12.8 million

Europe - $7.5 million

Asia and Pacific - $3.2 million

Western Hemisphere - $2.4 million

Global Operations - $0.75 million

The United States believes that the protection and care of refugees and the pursuit of durable solutions for them are shared international responsibilities. The United States is the single largest donor country to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, doing our part to protect and assist refugees throughout the world. The United States urges other donors to strengthen their efforts in support of the programs of the UNHCR.

SOURCE: state.gov 2005/462 Released on May 3, 2005 Press Statement Richard Boucher, Spokesman Washington, DC