The following media note was released by the Department of State in Washington, D.C. on December 30, 2003.

Media Note
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
December 30, 2003

U.S. Contributes an Initial $75 Million to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees

The United States is pleased to announce an initial $75 million contribution to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for its 2004 Annual Programs. This contribution will help the UNHCR, the UN agency responsible for protection of and assistance to the world s refugees, to address the needs of the more than 20 million refugees and other persons of concern to UNHCR during the early months of 2004.

This $75 million is part of the U.S. Government's $130 million initial pledge to UNHCR announced in Geneva on December 8. The remaining $55 million of this pledge is expected to be contributed early next year.

This initial $75 million contribution will be allocated regionally, as follows:

* Africa - $33 million
* South Asia - $13 million
* Europe - $ 9 million
* East Asia - $ 2 million
* Near East - $ 1.5 million
* Western Hemisphere - $ 2.5 million
* Global Operations/Hqtrs/Operational Reserve - $14 million

UNHCR is a key U.S. partner in critical international humanitarian policy
endeavors in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and elsewhere throughout the world. The
substantial allocation for Africa reflects our continued concern for the needs
of the millions of refugees in Africa.

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.

2003/1304
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