New Zealand makes small donation to civilians of Mosul

New Zealand will give 1 million New Zealand dollars ($718,000) to help meet the humanitarian needs of those people affected by the military campaign to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State group. The sum is small compared to the hundreds of millions aid groups have said will be needed to meet the impending crisis.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully announced on Tuesday the funding will be provided through the International Organiszation for Migration.

He said New Zealand has now provided a total of NZ$25 million to assist people in Syria and Iraq.

Many humanitarian groups have warned that a crisis could ensue for civilians caught up in the fight for Mosul.  

The UN deputy Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief voiced grave concern on Sunday at risks faced by civilians as operations to retake the Iraqi city of Mosul began.

"I am extremely concerned for the safety of up to 1.5 million people living in Mosul who may be impacted by military operations to retake the city from ISIL," Stephen O'Brien said, referring to IS.