Monitoring Policy Making at the United Nations |
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UN Specialized Agencies and Funds
Archived Articles
2002
Back to Current Articles | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 Thousands May Starve, WFP Warns (December 20, 2002)
A severe drought and a destructive border war with Ethiopia have left Eritreans in need of immediate food aid. The UN World Food Programme requested US $105 million of food or cash contributions last month, but only received US $9 million. "Considering the magnitude of the crisis at hand, each day is critical," warns a WFP representative. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)Lack of Funds Forces World Food Programme to Cut Assistance to Hungry North Koreans (October 28, 2002)
A decrease in donations to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) will force the Program to cut its cereal distributions to three million people in North Korea. The director of the WFP warns that “such across-the-board cutbacks would cause acute suffering on a massive scale.”UN Refugee Agency Cash Crisis Looms (October 22, 2002)
If the UN refugee agency does not receive urgently needed funds, it will have to halt some of its worldwide aid programs. Increased spending, particularly in Afghanistan, and budget cuts “have been extremely painful and have affected refugees and our work on their behalf around the world,” said the head of the UNHCR. (BBC)WFP Battling To Secure Fund (August 5, 2002)
To avoid a break in the food pipeline, the World Food Program secured a $20 million loan from the emergency revolving fund of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The Program has only received about 12 percent of the $241 million it needs to help feed about 13 million people in Southern Africa. (Integrated Regional Information Networks)EU Replaces Cash Denied to UN Family Planning By US (July 24, 2002)
Calling the Bush Administration’s withdrawal of funding for UNFPA “irresponsible and counter-productive,” the EU has offered the Fund €32 million in aid for sexual and reproductive health work in 22 countries. (Guardian)State Department Answers Questions on UN Population Fund Issue (July 23, 2002)
In a press briefing at the US Department of State on the US decision to withhold $34 million from the UN Population Fund, the Spokesman answered questions submitted by reporters. He claims the US “remains the world leader in providing family planning and reproductive health assistance.”China Attacks US Baby Fund Cuts (July 23, 2002)
Chinese officials have rejected accusations of coercing abortions. The UN claims that “women and children will die” because of the US decision. (BBC)Bush Poised to Cut Funding to UN Population Fund (July 14, 2002)
Rejecting the advice of his own fact-finding team, which deemed all allegations about the United Nations Family Planning Program in China untrue, President Bush is said to cut UNFPA funding anyway. (KnightRidder)Two Months in, Palestinian Operation 90 Percent Underfunded (July 12, 2002)
The WFP’s severely underfunded emergency operation in Palestine faces more problems. The restoration of curfews by the Israeli government has slowed down food aid deliveries and rendered them unpredictable. (World Food Programme)UN Donors, Afghan Ministers To Focus on Lack Of Funds (July 10, 2002)
Along with representatives from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries, UN agencies and other organizations, a 15-nation ‘Afghanistan Support Group’ will discuss the $838 million funding shortfall for humanitarian aid. (Agence France Presse)UN World Food Program Launches Massive Food Aid Appeal (July 8, 2002)
The WFP is asking for $507 million to feed 10.2 million people in six African countries where an already severe famine crisis is worsening. (allAfrica)UN Appeal for $142 Million for Angolan Emergency (July 3, 2002)
According to the UN, “most aid agencies (are) already working at full capacity at the beginning of the year, and […] further expansion is dependent on a significant and rapid increase in funding.” Currently, 2 million people in Angola depend on international aid to survive. (Angola Peace Monitor)Bush May Cut UN Program's Funding (June 29, 2002)
After temporarily withholding $34 million from the UN Population Fund, the administration will probably “cut off millions of dollars […]for (the) international family planning program opposed by abortion foes”. This move will in fact “undermine the capacity to prevent 800,000 abortions.” (Washington Post)UN Food Agency Says North Koreans Eating Grass (June 20, 2002)
“Facing an unprecedented shortfall of donations, in May the WFP was forced to scratch more than one million people from its assistance program.” (BBC)Refugees Celebrate World Refugee Day Without Enough to Eat (June 20, 2002)
“The refugee population in Kenya is almost totally dependent on food aid and relief assistance to survive.” With WFP’s lack of funds, refugee camps in Kenya have seen a drop in food rations as low as 1,600 kcal a day, “well below the standard 2,166 kcal per person, per day.” (Africa News)Fake Afghan Refugees Dry Up UN Funds (June 17, 2002)
Already facing a financial crisis, the UNHCR must now deal with a growing number of fraudulent refugee claims, which keep an already dwindling amount of money and food away from those who really need it. (Associated Press)UN Relief Agency Says it's Nearly Out of Cash (June 10, 2002)
After a shortfall in donations, the UNHCR does not expect the relief operation in Afghanistan to last through the month. Moreover the unpredicted high return of refugees from Pakistan has strained the already dwindling resources. (Associated Press)UN Pleads for Humanitarian Funds, Cites Donor Bias (June 7, 2002)
The UN needs an additional $2.2 billion dollars to meet the predicted amount needed for humanitarian operations. With the EU cutting its relief budget another 5% and the US not increasing its contributions in 5 years, the future looks quite bleak. (Inter Press Service)Quarterly Reports Show Urgent Funding Needed for Humanitarian Aid (June 5, 2002)
UNICEF appeals to donors for money to support ongoing projects in countries such as Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo where severe lack of funding has hindered the organization’s capacity to operate.US Congress Considers Big Increase in Global AIDS Funding (June 4, 2002)
As the US Senate prepares to vote on the funding allocated to the UN Global Fund to fight the HIV/AIDS epidemic, activist groups from all over the world are lobbying for a larger amount. (One World)Humanitarian Aid Effort Faces Major Funding Shortfall, UN Official Warns. (June 3, 2002)
More than half of the UN’s projects face a shortfall in funding. “[H]umanitarian emergencies worldwide are being severely hampered.” (UN News Service)UNICEF Applauds Japan's Donation for Polio Eradication and Disease Control (May 30, 2002)
Japan’s donation of US $17 million plays a crucial role in UNICEF’s fight to eradicate Polio. (UNICEF Press Release)US Aid Well Spent in Africa (May 27, 2002)
Kofi Annan calls for developed countries to offer $2 billion to the UN Global Aids Fund to combat the diseases ravaging Africa. “Even Americans fed up with failed foreign aid programs ought to be able to understand -- with their hearts and their minds -- the urgent need for this effort.” (Chicago Tribune)Secretariat Proposes Budgets of $318 million, $604 million for East Timor, Democratic Republic of Congo Missions (May 22, 2002)
The Fifth Committee applauds the “achievements of the United Nations and the international community in East Timor” as it discusses the financial future of UNMISET, which looks bright. (UN Press Release)New Report Reveals Drop in Aid to Developing Countries (May 17, 2002)
An OECD report shows that only 5 of the 29 member countries meet the expected target of 0.7% of their gross national income to development assistance. “Bilateral aid by OECD countries fell from 53.7 billion dollars in 2000 to 51.4 billion dollars last year.” (Inter Press Service)Poorer Countries Press for Changes to AIDS Fund (May 15, 2002)
Representatives of developing countries push for changes in the Global Fund Against AIDS, criticizing the lack of sustainability and the under-representation of African states in the decision-making. (Reuters)International Donors to Convene, Raise Funds for UNRWA (April 30, 2002)
A donor and host country meeting organized by the UNRWA will discuss the current financial issues the agency is facing. The commissioner general will attempt to secure the much needed “$117 million in emergency aid to support the UNRWA budget in the Palestinian lands.” (Middle East News Online)Africa Faces Serious Famine as US Prepares to Cut Food Aid Contributions (April 26, 2002)
“Proposed cuts in US contributions to the WFP” may put Africa into a dire position as the “organization may have to cut food aid for three million people a year.” (Herald, Glasgow)UNMIK Chief Warns Cut in Kosovo Aid to Have "Catastrophic Consequences”. (April 25, 2002)
The cuts in international aid to Kosovo are “coming at a critical time when thousands of refugees are to return to the province.” (BBC)Commission Wants to Cut Contribution to World Food Program (April 24, 2002)
“The European Commission would like to reduce its current level of contribution to indirect costs of the United Nations' World Food Program […] (claiming the) current level of 7.8% is too high.” (European Report)UN Agency on Population Blames US for Cutbacks (April 5, 2002)
The UN Population Fund has been forced to cut programs and staff numbers as a result of a US decision to withhold $34 million in funding. Amy Coen, president of Population Action International, calls the move “politically motivated,” endangering the progress made in family planning initiatives in the developing world. (New York Times)UN Population Fund Seeks Help of Religious Groups (April 4, 2002)
The UN Population Fund is facing a financial crisis, due to the “religious debate” on abortion. President Bush decided to suspend the US contribution of $34 million to the Fund, accusing the organization of promoting abortion. (Agence France Presse)UNDP Chief Sees Positive Change For Development Aid (March 18, 2002)
The UNDP Administrator, Mark Malloch, applauds Europe and the US for their pledges to increase funding for development, claiming that while the actual monetary amount was not substantial, “they demonstrated a big political commitment and a reversal of a decade of continuous decline in aid.” (Panafrican News Agency)Fifth Committee Concludes Discussion of United Nations Financial Situation (March 15, 2002)
The number of member countries paying their UN dues in full has fallen in the last year resulting in a projected debt of $748 million by the end of the year 2002, reports the UN Fifth Committee. (UN Document)UN Shivers in a Season of Cost Cuts That Pinch (March 13, 2002)
Pushed by the US and some European nations, the General Assembly has further curtailed the UN budget. For Under Secretary General for management Joseph E. Connor, running headquarters requires more drastic cutbacks in services, which will inevitably hamper the work of the organization. (New York Times)UN Urges Washington to Reconsider Aid (March 12, 2002)
The Bush administration withheld $34 million in contributions to the UN population fund (UNFPA) on the grounds that its programs promote abortion. UNFPA denies this claim and emphasizes the importance of the money to reduce maternal deaths, infancy mortality rates and unwanted pregnancies. (New York Times)Afghanistan Loses UN Vote Over $4,600 in Unpaid Dues (February 2, 2002)
Twenty developing countries, including Afghanistan, were barred from voting in the General Assembly for non-payment of dues. Such a response seems disproportionate, as the US has never lost its voting rights despite its large outstanding debt. (Reuters)
2001
Back to Current Articles | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 Emerging From Years of Red Ink, UN Looks Rosy (October 11, 2001)
The US decision to release previously withheld dues, along with a greater diligence on the part of member states in meeting assessments, has made financial stability a tangible reality for the UN. However, long-term financial solvency for the UN remains an elusive goal, as the organization is still constrained by its lack of reserves, capital, and the capacity to borrow. (Earth Times)Plan to Close Down the UNESCO Magazine Under Fire (June 7, 2001)
UNESCO's Director General Koichiro Matsuura wants to close down Courier, the flagship publication of the organization, but faces overwhelming opposition from member states and, of course, staff. (Inter Press Service)UN Refugee Agency Sees Cutbacks (June 1, 2001)
The UNHCR announced it has been forced to cut 939 of its staff of 5,000, as well as other aid work, including projects to help returning refugees reintegrate. (Associated Press)Row at UN Health Agency Over Lower US Funding (May 20, 2001)
The World Health Organisation withdrew its proposal to lower the US share of its budget after developing countries protested they could not make up the difference.(Reuters)For Lack of Support, UN Agency Shrinks Aid to Refugees (April 29, 2001)
Europe's diminishing support causes drastic cuts in staff and services at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (New York Times)Food Agency Urges More Funds to Feed Refugees (March 12, 2001)
The UN World Food Programme appeals for more money to continue its food distribution in Uganda where the number of internally displaced people and refugees from Sudan is increasing dramatically. (Agence France Presse)
2000
Back to Current Articles | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 Nepotism and Excess Found Rampant at UNESCO (October 2, 2000)
UNESCO was long considered one of the most inefficient UN agencies. But an external audit revealed that the situation has actually gotten worse. (Toronto National Post)UN Refugee Agency Faces Critical Funding Shortage (October 2, 2000)
The UNHCR is handicapped in its work by a severe lack of funding that could leave the agency “critically weakened”, as retiring High Commissioner Sadako Ogata said. (UN Newservice)UNRWA Donations: Plot or Twisted Priorities (September 26, 2000)
The United Nations Relief Works Agency for the Palestinian Refugees is in dire financial straits: fluctuating donations cannot cover the increasing costs and the organization’s resources are stretched tighter and tighter. (Jordan Times)UN Atomic Agency Is Threatened by Financial Crisis (August 8, 2000)
The International Atomic Energy Agency, which runs on a US$300 million annual budget, is on the brink of bankruptcy. Some can’t make sense why some countries can consider spending US$60 billion on a national missile defense, while neglecting a more effective and cheaper form of nuclear deterrence. (Washington Post)UN Faces Funding Shortfall (July 26, 2000)
The UN faces yet another obstacle which money could solve: effective humanitarian aid in North Korea and the Congo. Donors have so far only provided a third of the $2.5 billion sought for this year. (Associated Press)General Assembly, Acting On Budget Committee Reports, Approves Some $1.67 Billion In Resources for UN Peacekeeping (June 15, 2000)
Upon the recommendation of the Fifth Committee, $1.67 billion in resources was approved today in the GA for peacekeeping projects. “The Assembly also adopted recommendations on the level of resources to finance support activities at United Nations Headquarters, on audits of peacekeeping operations and other aspects of their administration.”UN Refugee Agency to Make Cuts (May 8, 2000)
Suffering a funding crisis, the UNHCR will make budget cuts in several programs. Hardest hit will be south-eastern Europe, as the UNHCR has decided to keep Africa's budget constant due to its position of being traditionally underfunded. (BBC)UN Says Disbursement of Funds For Timor Is Too Slow (March 21, 2000)
The status of the UN Trust Fund for East Timor almost mirrors the financial situation of the UN Mission In Kosovo. Of the $500 million that was promised by donor countries, only $23 million has been paid. At least $43 million will be needed this year. (Agence France-Presse)World Bank Inks Assistance Grant (March 21, 2000)
Given that UN members have been reluctant to contribute to the UN Mission In Kosovo, news of a $5 million grant from the World Bank suggests that donors are prepared to sideline the UN.A Year after Kosovo War, UN is Facing a Quagmire (March 19, 2000)
This indepth article from the Boston Globe is the latest in the unrelenting media focus on the dismal situation in Kosovo, where a shortage of funds has made the UN's daunting tasks all the more difficult.Balkan Aid Project to Cost $1.5bn (March 18, 2000)
BBC News reports that $1.5 billion is needed for reconstruction of infrastructure in the Balkans.West Fails to Put Money Where Its Troops Are (March 16, 2000)
Kosovo's entire budget for the year 2000 is equivalent to the cost of half a day's bombing, and yet donor countries are reluctant to provide the financial resources necessary to run the troubled province. (The Guardian)UN's Haiti Unit Short of Staff, Funds (March 16, 2000)
The UN's new mission in Haiti begins with 20% of its authorized personnel because of a lack of funds. (Miami Herald)Funding Shortfall Threatens UN Haiti Mission (March 15, 2000)
Despite the $13 million shortfall in funds needed for the UN Mission in Haiti, the US takes its time over its own $6 million contribution. (BBC World Service)Security Council Calls for Adequate Funding for Humanitarian Activities (March 9, 2000)
The Security Council, which includes some of the UN's biggest funders and its most notorious laggards, acknowledges the importance of timely funding for its humanitarian activities.Secretary General Says UN Mission in Kosovo Needs More Support (March 7, 2000)
While stating that money for UNMIK has been very slow in coming in, the Secretary General acknowledges that the EU recently followed up on its initial contribution of 20 million ecus with an additional 10 million ecus and is expected to contribute a further 35 million ecus. (UN Newservice)A Cash-Starved Peace in Kosovo (March 7, 2000)
This New York Times editorial describes the exceedingly difficult task that UN administrator Bernard Kouchner faces in running basic services in Kosovo with the meagre resources that he has been given. The European Union has been slow to shoulder its share of the burden.Rights Group Criticizes UN Security Council Over Lack of Kosovo Funds (March 6, 2000)
The Lawyers' Committee for Human Rights challenges Security Council members to follow through on their promises for aid to Kosovo. See also the October 1999 LCHR report A Fragile Peace, which highlighted severe deficiencies in resources allocated to rebuilding the judicial system and providing effective policing for Kosovo.UNESCO's Fat Gets a Trim and Reform is in the Air (March 5, 2000)
The appointment of a new director-general promises to usher in reforms that will be needed to save this organization from redundancy. (New York Times)UN's Kosovo Chief Warns That Mission Is 'Barely Alive' (March 4, 2000)
The New York Times reports that Bernard Kouchner, director of the United Nations government in Kosovo, has had to run from pillar to post with a begging bowl to keep the civil administration afloat. The very same countries that were in the forefront of funding the destruction wreaked by NATO's war machine are now reluctant to pay for clearing up the mess it left behind.UN Calls for Immediate Assistance in Mozambique (March 2, 2000)
UNICEF launches a $3 million fund raising appeal for relief work in Mozambique. $24 million has already been pledged and there is even talk of a post-reconstruction program boosting long-term growth. Apparently it takes a humanitarian disaster to attract foreign investment.UN Agencies Concerned Over Funding Shortfall (March 1, 2000)
An $81 million shortfall threatens food assistance in 16 African countries. (UN Wire)Peace for All.com (March 2000)
The US Association for the UNHCR creates a new web site patterned on the Hunger site, to help raise money for refugee causes.UNDP Gets $500,000 for African Awareness Campaign (February 9, 2000)
Reporting on a donation to the UNDP's AIDS awareness campaign in Africa, the UN Newsservice reports that AIDS infection rates among young girls are 3 or 4 times higher than they are among boys the same age - an indication of the macabre reality that many young girls are forced to have sex with older men.UN Broke in Kosovo - Not Even Nordic Governments Care (February 7, 2000)
Dr. Jan Oberg, (Director, Transnational Foundation for Peace and Future Research) expresses grave concern over the lack of funding for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, while drawing attention to the fact that no one spoke of a financial crisis during the NATO bombardment, despite the heavy cost of that campaign - a reflection of a world, ever ready to fund destruction, but unwilling to aid reconstruction.More Resources Needed in Kosovo to Fight Serious Crime (February 2, 2000)
Less than half UNMIK's authorized police personnel are currently deployed in Kosovo. (UN Newservice)Netaid.org Foundation Announces $1.7 million in Grants for Africa and Kosovo (January 27, 2000)
Despite earlier discouraging reports, the Netaid initiative makes valuable, albeit small, contributions towards financing development.Getting It Done (January 24, 2000)
UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown paints a dismal picture of UNDP's finances, which have plummeted from a high of $1.2 billion in 1992 to $700 million, even lower than the $750 million forecast. Consequently, expenditure on Sub-Saharan Africa will decline to less than 50% of what it was 5 years ago. Despite these depressing statistics, Brown is optimistic in outlining his vision for UNDP.Development Account (January - February, 2000)
Kofi Annan's reforms begin to pay off as $13 million saved from administrative overheads is allocated for capacity - building projects in developing countries.
1999
Back to Current Articles | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 UN Population Fund Welcomes Restoration of US Funding in 2000 (November 23, 1999)
After having cut off all funding to the UNFPA for the fiscal year 1999, the US resumes funding in the next fiscal year with a $25 million contribution. The sudden volte-face highlights the insecurity of UN initiatives funded solely by voluntary contributions.NetAid Fundraiser for UNDP Brings in Meager $1 Million (November 17, 1999)
UNDP's corporate partnership with Cisco Systems, creating a series of concerts and web productions, was a much-ballyhooed plan to overcome UN financial woes and raise millions to "eradicate poverty." It has produced far less than expected, far below the $120 million raised by LiveAid in the 1980s, and promoters are talking about "compassion fatigue." (Washington Post)Resource Shortfall Imperils UNFPA Program as Fund Marks 30th Anniversary (October 26, 1999)
This press release from the UNFPA warns that the severe ongoing financial crisis could possibly result in an additional 1.4 million unwanted pregnancies, 570,000 induced abortions and over 670,000 unwanted births.UN Looks to Donors for Aid (September 9, 1999)
An article from the Chronicle of Philanthropy about UN agencies' initiatives to obtain private funds. Discusses criticisms of these efforts and related issues such as financing for development and the UN's corporate ties.UNDP: In 'Strategic Shift,' Agency Seeks Private Funds (August 5, 1999)
Brief Associated Press article about direction of UNDP under Malloch Brown.Poverty Agency Vying with Aid Offices for Cash (July 11, 1999)
A New York Times article that points out recent decreases in UNDP's funding and the competition that exists to secure development money.Speech by UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown (July 1, 1999)
Speaking on the occasion of his first day as UNDP chief, Malloch Brown touches on management of UNDP, the financial crisis and partnerships with the World Bank and the private sector, etc.US Forces UN to Reduce Haiti Human Rights Mission (June 16, 1999)
A Reuters article on the lack US funding for the UN program in Haiti at a time of increasing turmoil as elections approach.Outgoing UN Development Chief Berates US (May 1, 1999)
James Gustave Speth criticizes the US for "tragic shortsightedness" in failing to support the world body.Bill Introduced to Restore Funding to UNFPA (March 1999)
Reporting on the introduction of a bill to resume US funding to UNFPA, UNA-USA reveals that critics of US funding are arguing that UNFPA participates in objectionable population control programs in China.Corporate Watch Report: UNDP Solicits Funds From Corporations (March 1999)
Detailed exposé of initiative which allows companies to buy use of the UNDP name and greenwash their reputations.UNDP Solicits Funds From Corporations (March 1999)
Link to the Corporate Watch page, criticizing UNDP's overtures to the corporate world.UN Population Fund Hails Bill and Melinda Gates' $2.2 Billion Donation (February 11, 1999)
Bill and Melinda Gates' donation is particularly welcome at a time when the future of the UNFPA's programs is imperiled due to cutbacks in governmental funding. But can private grants replace public funding?Germany Cuts UNDP Contribution by 25 Percent (February 3, 1999)
Germany's decision to slash its contribution to the UNDP budget sends shock waves through the NGO community.Why the United States Should Restore Funding for UNFPA (1999)
This fact sheet issued by Population Action International sets the record straight on the work and achievements of the UNFPA and makes out a case for the resumption of US funding to the UNFPA.
1998
Back to Current Articles | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 Executive Director's Statement on the Withdrawal of US Funding from UNFPA (20 October, 1998)
In this terse statement, Dr. Nafis Sadiq outlines the dire consequences that the withdrawal of US aid to UNFPA will have.UNHCR: Financial Mishandling Denied by U.N. Refugee Group (4 August 1998)
UNHCR officials view allegations of financial mismanagement as part of a larger smear campaign aimed at discrediting the UN.Who Speaks for the Poor and Dispossessed? (August 1998)
This Earth Times News report is highly critical of the offices of the United Nations High Commissioners for Refugees and Human Rights (the UNHCR and the UNHCHR respectively), drawing attention to the huge amounts of money spent on their allegedly bloated bureaucracies and unproductive conferences.First Big Grant From Ted Turner Gift Goes to UNICEF and UNFPA (20 May 1998)
Fiscal Reforms Limit Capabilities of UN Human Rights System (8 April 1998)
An inside look at how budgetary constraints have thrown the UN human rights machinery into disarray.
