Press Statement
Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 31, 2005



U.S. Contributes $125 Million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees


The United States is pleased to announce an initial $125 million contribution
to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its 2005
Annual Programs. This contribution will help UNHCR, which is the lead UN agency
responsible for providing protection and assistance to the world's refugees, to
address the needs of the more than 17 million refugees and other persons of
concern and to provide assistance to the following regions:

Africa $50.0 million
Near East $ 2.9 million
Europe $14.1 million
South Asia $20.3 million
East Asia $ 5.2 million
Western Hemisphere $ 4.6 million
Global Operations/Headquarters/Operational Reserves $27.9 million


UNHCR is a key partner in critical humanitarian endeavors in Afghanistan, Iraq,
Sudan, Chad, Liberia, Colombia, and elsewhere throughout the world. U.S.
support helps ensure refugees' lives and rights are adequately protected; their
basic food, shelter, health, and education needs are met; and that they are
able to return home once it is safe, or otherwise find a permanent solution to
their plight.

The United States believes that the protection and care of refugees and the
pursuit of permanent solutions for refugee crises are shared international
responsibilities. The United States calls on other donors to strengthen their
efforts in support of the programs of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

2005/106

Released on January 31, 2005