Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration Needs Related to Somalia, Sudan, Chad, Other Parts of Africa, and the West Bank and Gaza

President George W. Bush determined it in the national interest to spend up to $29.5 million from the U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for urgent humanitarian needs in Somalia, Sudan, Chad, other parts of Africa, and the West Bank and Gaza. The funds support refugees facing conflict and food pipeline breaks through international organizations, NGOs, and State Department administrative costs.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 29427

Impact dates

May 10, 2007
funds available for immediate disbursement upon determination

Key directives

Determine up to $29.5 million from U.S. Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund for urgent refugee and migration needs
Assign presidential functions under section 2(d) of the Act to Secretary of State
Authorize Secretary of State to establish terms and conditions and further delegate to subordinates
Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

$29.5 million made available from Emergency Refugee and Migration Assistance Fund

Near term (90d)

disbursement of funds to international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations
payment of administrative expenses for refugee operations

Long term

ongoing humanitarian assistance for conflict-affected and food-insecure refugee populations

Risks & tensions

Funding cap of $29.5 million may be insufficient if crises escalate or additional emergencies arise
Multiple simultaneous crises (Somalia, Sudan, Chad, West Bank/Gaza) strain allocation decisions
Delegation to Secretary of State without specified reporting or oversight mechanisms