Japan provides $50mn for flood victims

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has provided USD 50 million to support the integrated early recovery programme of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This generous contribution from the Japanese Government will benefit 13 million, including more than six million women and children as well as Afghan Refugees affected by the floods. Through this support, UNDP will work in 28 most affected districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Gilgit Baltistan.

“The Government of Japan is the largest contributor to UNDP's Early Recovery Programme. This support comes at an opportune time as people begin to rebuild their lives after the devastating floods. It will further strengthen UNDP's recovery efforts,” said Toshihiro Tanaka, UNDP Country Director.

Reiterating Japan's commitment to Pakistan in this time of need, H.E. Chihiro Atsumi, Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, said, “We trustthat Mr. Tanaka and his team will make the best use of thiscontribution for the alleviation of the suffering of the flood-affected people across Pakistan.”

Working in close partnership with local authorities and affected communities, UNDP will use these funds to generate livelihoods, help resume public services through rehabilitation of basic community infrastructure and restore public administration capacity including establishment of early warning systems. The programme will also provide psycho- social counseling focusing on women, children/youth, the elderly and people with special needs.

Japan has been a generous partner with UNDP over the years, providing support to its programmes for the rehabilitation of refugee-affected areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the promotion of peace and development in conflict-affected Malakand. This support will further strengthen these programmes as these communities have also been affected by the floods.