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VOA常速英语:UN Warns Against Neglecting Humanitarian Needs in Coping with Financial Crisis

2008-10-11来源:和谐英语

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, has appealed to international donors not to cut back on humanitarian programs because of the financial crisis. He warns that neglecting the needs of refugees and other vulnerable people could lead to disaster. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.  

The UNHCR has just wrapped up its annual refugee conference. The agency presented a $1.8 billion budget for 2009 to its members. And, it is concerned that all of its needs may not be met because of the global financial crisis.  

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres said he already sees concerns mounting in many countries about the deteriorating economic conditions. "My appeal is that this would not undermine the support to humanitarian action around the world. We are speaking of peanuts, if we compare humanitarian needs with, for instance, financial rescue packages. And, if those peanuts would be reduced, we would then face dramatic consequences."

The United States Congress recently passed a $700 billion rescue package. Other countries around the world are bailing out banks and other financial institutions. Humanitarian agencies say they are afraid governments will economize by cutting funding for the poor.  

The UNHCR cares for 32 million refugees, internally displaced and stateless people. The U.N. World Food Program provides food aid to millions of people who otherwise would go hungry. Other agencies provide essential services to victims of conflict, disease and poverty.

High Commissioner Guterres said the world is becoming a more dangerous place and refugees are the most vulnerable victims. He said conflicts are deepening and multiplying. He said the food crisis, the high cost of energy and climate change are adding to the difficulties.

He said this is no time to neglect the world's most helpless people. "If in 2009, we would witness a situation in which we would have more refugees, more crises, more communities suffering extreme poverty or whose environment is destroyed by the impacts of climate change. And at the same time, less financial support to humanitarian aid, we would be facing a dramatic situation."  

Guterres said his appeal is not just for the UNHCR, but for all humanitarian agencies. He said it is in the self-interest of developed countries themselves to support people in need.  

He said addressing humanitarian problems around the world is important for peace and security. He said this will create a more harmonious relationship between the North and the South.
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