EU supports UNHCR to make humanitarian assistance more effective and sustainable

Brussels – The European Union is strengthening its partnership with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, by helping it to source and deliver aid that is more sustainable and eco–friendly, benefiting vulnerable communities and protecting the environment.
Through a generous contribution of EUR 700,000, the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Directorate General (ECHO) will support a UNHCR project aimed at sourcing environmentally friendly relief items closer to the point of distribution. The project will run for 16 months and will target new markets and support local economies.

This vital funding will also support UNHCR to make life-saving supplies, such as blankets, sleeping mats and buckets without UNHCR branding, available to humanitarian actors at its strategically located global stockpiles. UNHCR can dispatch essential supplies to up to one million people anywhere in the world, within 72 hours, from these global warehouses. By increasing the use of recycled materials, and manufacturing close to the point of distribution, this approach will help provide more durable and eco-friendly items while responding faster to people’s basic needs.

“We will implement two innovative working models that promote environmental sustainability and support urgent and underfunded humanitarian crises. Most importantly, this initiative will enable us to deliver better and faster life-saving goods to people in need,” said Mr Benjamin Safari, Head of UNHCR Supply Management Service. “We thank the EU for its continued support for innovation and efficiency in humanitarian supply chains. “

“We are investing in this project as part of our engagement to develop a more strategic approach to the humanitarian supply chain. This project will increase the resilience at country and global levels by partnering with local business and communities. It will contribute to making humanitarian aid faster, greener and more adapted to needs”, said Ms Michela Matuella, Director of the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

The European Union is one of UNHCR’s most steadfast and reliable donors. Together with UNHCR, it works to protect and assist refugees worldwide – from providing life-saving humanitarian aid to driving innovation in how aid is delivered. The EU not only provides vital funding but also helps shape global discussions aimed at making humanitarian supply and delivery more effective and sustainable.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Aoife Kavanagh
Senior Communications Associate
UNHCR, Regional Representation for European Union Affairs, Ireland, The Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium, Luxemburg
[email protected]
+32 470 098059