The U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), approved by the General Assembly in December, reached the $261 million mark after a donation of $7.5 million by the mission of Japan this week. CERF gives quick initial funding for life-saving assistance and rapid response to rapidly deteriorating emergencies. It is wholly funded by voluntary contributions made by U.N. member states. As of May 16, 41 countries have pledged or given money. “Too often, aid resembles a lottery in which a few win but most lose based on consideration other than need. We must move from lottery to predictability so all those who suffer receive aid,” said U.N. emergency relief coordinator Jan Egeland. Egeland manages the fund on behalf of the U.N. secretary-general on the basis of requests submitted by humanitarian or resident coordinators in the countries affected by emergencies. Since its inception, CERF life-saving aid has been given to Ivory Coast and the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, and Kenya.
