The United States announced Monday its initial contribution of over $171 million toward the 2013 operations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The initial contribution funded through the State Department will support UNHCR efforts worldwide, the State Department said in a statement. “This funding includes support for refugees returning to countries such as Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo; local integration and resettlement; and protection and life-saving assistance." “U.S. funding supports the provision of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to refugees, internally displaced persons, and other persons under UNHCR's care and protection in countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Georgia, Colombia, South Sudan, and Kenya," the statement said.
