Humanitarian Crises

U.N. seeks $3.8 billion for humanitarian crises

The United Nations is seeking $3.8 billion to cope with humanitarian emergencies next year in 24 countries, including Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia and the Palestinian Territories.

Sudan is the biggest focus of the U.N. appeal, issued to governments on Monday. It wants $930 million for humanitarian work in 2008 in the country where violence and upheaval continues in the Darfur region.

The U.N. request for funds includes Sudan's neighbor Chad as well as Uganda, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic and Ivory Coast. The U.N. and its aid partners are also seeking funds for the West African region under the appeal.

Do They Know It's Christmas?
(Band Aid Christmas Song - 1985)
M. Ure and Bob Geldof

It's Christmastime, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmastime, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty we can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world at Christmastime
But say a prayer to pray for the other ones

At Christmastime
It's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing
Is the bitter sting of tears

And the Christmas bells that ring there
Are the clanging chimes of doom
Well, tonight thank God it's them instead of you
And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmastime
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life

Oh, where nothing ever grows, no rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Here's to you, raise a glass for ev'ryone
Here's to them, underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmastime at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmastime again