The United Nations has launched a $4 billion appeal to the world’s richest countries for humanitarian emergencies. Most of the donations would go to Africa, including $1 billion for the war-ravaged Sudan. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan urged rich countries to improve on previous donations.

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan: “Each year I must admit I have been dismayed that donors have, on average, given only two-thirds of the bare-bones requirements in these appeals. And for each success that I mentioned just now where your funds made a difference, there is a contrasting story where help could not be offered for lack of funds.”

U.N. Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland also appealed for more aid to Africa.

U.N. Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland: “Africa is really getting too little attention, too little sources, in general. There is a some degree of an in-built discrimination in our generosity. We are quicker when it’s Kosovo or it’s Lebanon or it’s Iraq or places close to the rich world.”