Support the Global Emergency Fund
Over the last year, the world has been engulfed in disasters, and weve seen how poor people have been disproportionately affected by these emergencies. Help ensure a timely response to crises by urging President
Bush to support the Global Emergency Fund that would immediately
disburse money when countries face a severe and sudden need.
Right now, the UN must wait until after a disaster has occurred to raise the money it needs to respond a situation Secretary General Kofi Annan likens to a fire chief who, when notified of a fire, has to then go out and buy a fire engine.
On November 14, the UN General Assembly will be discussing the Global Emergency Fund. Write President Bush and encourage him to not only support the expansion of the Global Emergency Fund, but also to ensure that the US makes a fair contribution to the fund. By doing so, millions of lives can be saved.
I am writing to ask that you give your full support and commit American resources, on top of existing foreign aid budgets, to a proposal for a strengthened Emergency Response Fund through the United Nations. Donor contributions totaling $1 billion to the fund are critical to prevent a repeat of the suffering that is now gripping those affected by the Pakistan-India earthquake and the food crisis in West Africa.
I urge you to throw your full weight behind the expansion of the Fund, to persuade other UN members to join the US in its support, and to contribute substantial American resources to demonstrate our commitment to the Fund's success. A permanent and adequately resourced Emergency Response Fund could prevent the misery to which we are all, shamefully, now bearing witness. This fund will speed the response to emergencies and as a result, save lives.
Thank you for your consideration.
