U.S. Department of State

I. Public Benefit

The United States' commitment to humanitarian response demonstrates America's compassion for victims of armed conflict, natural disasters, landmines, forced migration, human rights violations, widespread health and food insecurity, and other threats. Humanitarian programs support the objectives of the U.S. National Security Strategy by addressing crises with potential regional or global implications, fostering peace and stability, and promoting sustainable development. Through the Department and USAID, the U.S. provides substantial resources and guidance to international and nongovernmental organizations for worldwide humanitarian programs, with objectives to increase access to protection, promote burden-sharing, and coordinate funding and implementation strategies. Further, the Department and USAID prioritize the regular monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian programs to ensure that the needs of refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and victims of conflict and natural disasters are met. The Department's management and support of overseas refugee admissions programs provide an important durable solution for refugees and serves as the leading model for other resettlement countries.

II. Performance Summary

The table below summarizes the performance ratings for Department of State and USAID results for the Humanitarian Response strategic goal.

III. Resources Invested

IV. Performance Analysis

Performance Trends. Three significant trends under the Humanitarian Response Strategic Goal are worthy of note. First, U.S. humanitarian assistance programs are achieving and sustaining progress on protecting the nutritional status and humanitarian needs of refugees, victims of conflict and Internally Displaced Persons, especially young children. Second, the international donor community is taking on a larger share of total contributions to the World Food Program as a result of USG efforts to promote burden sharing among our international partners. Third, U.S. mine action programs are providing the training and assistance countries need to become self-sufficient in carrying out demining activities that clear land of dangerous mines, alleviate suffering and restore confidence in public safety.

Key Initiatives And Programs. Significant FY 2006 investments to address the human costs of displacement, conflict, and natural disasters include $791 million for migration and refugee protection and assistance programs, and $356 million for international disaster relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance. The core focus of refugee program resources is to provide protection, assistance and durable solutions, including refugee resettlement, and to promote sound migration management. International disaster and famine assistance provides support and relief to victims of natural and man-made disasters, as well as funds famine and prevention relief activities.

V. FY 2006 Performance Results

INDICATOR: Nutritional Status of Children Under 5 Years of Age - Threshold

	Outcome
JUSTIFICATION: Nutritional status is a basic indicator for assessing the severity of crisis, together with Crude Mortality Rate. In emergencies, weight loss among children 6-59 months is used as a proxy indicator for the general health and well-being of the entire community. This indicator is used to measure emergency assistance among controlled populations, such as refugee camps.
FY 2006 PERFORMANCE	Target	In targeted sites, less than 10% of children under five suffer from global acute malnutrition.
	Results	Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) is the term used to include all malnourished children whether they have moderate wasting, severe wasting or edema, or some combination of these conditions. It is defined as weight-for-height ratios that are less than or equal to two standard deviations below the mean (Z score of less than -2) or less than 80% median weight-for-height, and the presence of nutritional edema. In 98% of refugee camps and settlements (221 of at least 225 worldwide), less than 10% of children under five suffered from global acute malnutrition. GAM rates exceeded 10% in two camps in Bangladesh (Nayapara, Kutupalong), one in Uganda (Kyaka II), and one in Nigeria (Oru). In two camps in Chad (Oure Cassoni, Am Nabak), GAM rates temporarily rose above acceptable levels, but were quickly reduced with appropriate interventions. Recognizing that refugee camps in Bangladesh do not meet international standards, PRM Assistant Secretary Sauerbrey traveled to Bangladesh in August 2006. Following her visit, the Government of Burma signed a long-delayed agreement with UNHCR on improve-ment of the camps. The Department also provided the World Food Program with an additional $250,000 in FY 2006 to provide much needed food assistance to refugees in Bangladesh. The Department is working with UNHCR and other international and nongovernmental organizations to ensure that less than 10% of children under age five suffer from global acute malnutrition in refugee camps in Nigeria and Uganda.
	Rating	On Target
	Impact	Elevated rates of GAM directly contribute to increased rates of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age. Malnutrition may also threaten refugee protection in terms of camp security, vulnerability to exploitation, and in extreme cases, involuntary return.

INDICATOR: Crude Mortality Rates (CMR) - Threshold

	Outcome
JUSTIFICATION: The crude mortality rate is the mortality rate from all causes of death for a population. The CMR is an accepted indicator of the extent to which the international community is meeting minimum standards of care and the overall effectiveness and performance of the international relief system. This indicator is used to measure emergency assistance among controlled populations, such as refugee camps.
FY 2006 PERFORMANCE	Target	In complex humanitarian crises, CMR does not exceed regional emergency thresholds in 95% of targeted sites. Support efforts to improve data collection, e.g., expand pilot data collection effort to other countries and partner organizations, and to take other measures to address any problems of excess mortality.
	Results	Criteria developed by Sphere established regional CMR thresholds for emergency response based on long-term CMR data in these areas. CMR did not exceed regional emergency thresholds in targeted refugee sites where data were available. The online interface of the Complex Emergencies Database (CE-DAT) has been greatly improved and data on mortality, nutritional status, and vaccination coverage has been expanded, benefiting both the USG and the international humanitarian community.
	Rating	Above Target
	Impact	The Department's contributions to international humanitarian efforts save refugee lives.

INDICATOR: Percentage of Non-USG Contributions to UN World Food Program

	Output
JUSTIFICATION: The UN World Food Program (WFP) is a generally well-run organization, but its effectiveness can be compromised by over-reliance on USG contributions. More contributors and greater contributions from existing contributors are needed to keep WFP's crisis response capacity at its current level.
FY 2006 PERFORMANCE	Target	WFP has sufficient funds to meet priority needs, with contributions from many donor countries and the private sector. Non-USG contributions are 55% of total contributions.
	Results	WFP continues to actively solicit contributions from new donors including from the private sector. WFP works on a calendar year basis. As of September 15, 2006, WFP had received $1.9 billion in contributions for CY 2006, of which $793 million was from the United States. Non-U.S. Government contributions amounted to 59% of total contributions.
	Rating	Above Target
	Impact	Contributions to WFP enable it to provide both emergency and development food aid to people in need.

< Go to Previous Page        Go to Next Page >