UN relief wing to launch global humanitarian appeal

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said it will launch the Global Humanitarian Appeal for 2016 in Geneva on Dec.7, deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters here Friday.

"The appeal aims to highlight the urgent humanitarian requirements and response plans to support millions of people affected by disasters and conflicts in some 37 countries," Haq said at a daily news briefing here.

There will be a press conference before the launch, and speakers will include UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres, Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) Margaret Chan and International Council of Voluntary Agencies Chair and President of Mercy Malaysia Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, he said.

The conflicts in the Middle East, including in Syria and Yemen, has led to a massive influx of refugees into their neighboring countries and other European countries. Enditem