The Netherlands and UNDP

Netherlands contributes 1 million euros for UNDP's emergency efforts following Suriname floods

Following the heavy rainfall and resultant flooding that have left thousands homeless in the interior of Suriname, the Dutch Minister of Development Cooperation Agnes van Ardenne has donated 1 million euros (US$1.26m) to UNDP.

The funds are being used to address immediate humanitarian needs and necessities, to cover logistics related to the emergency and to provide support to the National Coordination Centre for Disaster Control (NCCR) in Suriname.

The Dutch also sent a team of technical experts in water and sanitation, flooding, law and order, environment and crisis management as well as an airplane carrying 2,000 blankets, 2,000 stretchers, tarpaulins and mosquito nets.

In exceptional circumstances, such as humanitarian crises situations, where funds are needed urgently, UNDP uses the Direct Execution modality for programme implementation. This means that UNDP has overall responsibility for the project, though implementation can be carried out through partner organizations such as National Authorities, Civil Society Organizations and International Organizations.

Both UNDP and the UN system have been working very closely with the National Authorities, International Partners and Civil Society Organizations on finding suitable and rapid responses to the humanitarian crisis in Suriname. The UNDP is committed to continuing to work with these partners to ensure that all possible support is provided to improve the livelihoods of those who would have suffered through this crisis.

Compiled from www.reliefweb.com and www.undp.org.tt/suriname/index.html