January 7, 2013 Top humanitarian priorities for 2013 Ongoing
humanitarian crises in 16 countries leave some 51 million people
suffering. The United Nations has released a list of the world’s
top current humanitarian crises. Listed below are the countries
that require the most cash to address their humanitarian
emergencies, according to the UN and aid agencies. (*Indicates
where World Vision operates child-focused programs to reduce
poverty.) 1. Somalia* ($1.3 billion) A good harvest at the start
of 2012 helped end famine in southern Somalia, but about 3.8
million people still need life-saving assistance. More than
235,000 children under age 5 are acutely malnourished. 2. South
Sudan* ($1.15 billion) In 2012, South Sudan experienced a huge
economic shock following a shutdown of its oil production.
Difficulties have been compounded by poor harvests, sporadic
fighting with Sudan, and internal conflicts that have displaced
thousands. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands have returned to the
newly independent country,