Press Release

The UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund Provides Humanitarian Assistance of USD 1.55 Million to Dzud-Affected Herders in Mongolia

29 April 2024

Ulaanbaatar – In response to the Dzud Response appeal from the Humanitarian Country Team, the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has approved funding of USD 1.55 million to aid Mongolian herders severely affected by the current dzuds – an extreme winter phenomenon characterized by below-freezing temperatures that blanket grazing areas in deep snow and ice, impacting millions of livestock upon which vulnerable herder households rely for their livelihoods.

Herders spring quarter - Tapan's visit to Arkhangai — Caption: Mrs Densmaa, a herder from Tsenkher soum, Arkhangai aimag.

The Humanitarian Country Team has identified over 200,000 people in need, with 77,000 of the most vulnerable individuals targeted to receive in-kind and cash assistance. This year’s dzud has resulted in the deaths of more than 7.19 million livestock, driving thousands of herders into dire situations. A study by the National Statistics Office has noted the enduring impacts of dzuds on herders’ livelihoods, as well as on the health and education of their children continue for up to three years.

“The emergency relief assistance will support the most affected herders in addressing their most urgent immediate needs, focusing on safeguarding their health and mental well-being, food and nutrition, and education. We are confident that this joint UN assistance will support the government-led response and provide multi-sectoral support to vulnerable people,” said Tapan Mishra, UN Resident Coordinator.

The UN’s assistance will be dispersed through three UN agencies (FAO - $700,000, UNFPA – $350,000, and UNICEF – $500,000) in Mongolia, targeting 12,050 people, including the most affected herders, children, and people with disabilities in rural areas. Responses include cash and voucher assistance, and psychological, educational, and nutritional support, with a focus on livelihood restoration for targeted herder households, particularly vulnerable populations.

Specifically, the humanitarian intervention will be distributed to 72 soums in the nine most affected aimags in Mongolia. Among them, 2000 herder households will receive cash as humanitarian aid to help them recover. Through the facilitation of FAO in Mongolia, over 2 million vaccines for livestock are being distributed to maintain their health and sustain them during the current dzud.

A significant portion of the funds is dedicated to supporting the well-being of herder women and children in rural areas.

UNICEF will provide multiple nutrition supplements to up to 6700 children, while 3300 pregnant and lactating women will receive nutrient supplements. Additionally, UNICEF will supply learning packages to over 2000 children to support their studies.

UNFPA will provide support to over 4000 women, young and adolescent girls, many of whom live in school dormitories away from their homes, with dignity kits containing essential hygiene and feminine products. Much of UNFPA's support will focus on creating safe spaces in rural communities for women and girls affected by natural disasters/emergencies, where they can socialize, and have access to mental health and psychological support, and counselling. Moreover, UNFPA will invest in building the capacity of local health and social workers to strengthen their knowledge and skills in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services, and psychosocial support and to prevent any physical, sexual, and psychological violence.

The UN Mongolia stands with the people and government of Mongolia, offering its collective commitment to responding to and addressing the most urgent humanitarian needs, as well as supporting the country’s long-term development agenda to achieve resilient and sustainable development, leaving no one behind.