UNHCR's role in natural disaster response
The tsunami of 26 December 2004 devastated coastal communities across the entire expanse of the Indian Ocean, killing tens of thousands of people and leaving hundreds of thousands of others homeless and destitute. It also triggered a rapid and unprecedented response by the U.N. refugee agency, whose mandate normally restricts it to protecting and assisting people fleeing persecution and violence.
Because of the enormity of the tsunami disaster and given its decades of experience in responding to man-made disasters, UNHCR joined the rest of the UN family in a massive, coordinated response aimed at helping millions of people rebuild their shattered lives. UNHCR launched a six-month, $75 million emergency relief operation for tsunami victims in the Indonesian province of Aceh, in Sri Lanka and in Somalia. Its humanitarian assistance focuses on providing shelter, non-food relief supplies and logistical support.
"The dimensions of this disaster are enormous," said High Commissioner for Refugees Ruud Lubbers. "It makes sense for an operational agency with UNHCR's experience to be part of the international relief effort. We all have a duty to help."
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