EU humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo

Summary: December 13, 2004: Democratic Republic of Congo: The European Commission earmarks €38M in humanitarian aid (Brussels)

FR

The European Commission has earmarked 38 million euros to assist vulnerable populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) affected by the recent conflict and by the unrest which persists in the East of the country. This aid will help facilitate equitable access to basic health facilities for nearly 8,5 million Congolese and will provide basic needs for some 3 million displaced people.

"In spite of the considerable progress that Congo has achieved towards peace and democracy and considerable political and financial support from the international community, the daily life of the majority of the population remains very precarious. The situation is particularly worrying in the east of the country, where growing insecurity makes access to the victims difficult", declared Louis Michel, European Commissioner responsible for Development and Humanitarian Aid.

Activities supported include the following sectors:

Health (55 % of total funds): ECHO will help boost the health sector through the current public health network. Some 6,75 million beneficiaries live in 83 target zones located mainly in the East of the country. Particular attention will be given to women and children, with special programs for the victims of sexual violence and for malnutrition among children
Support for displaced people and refugees (40 % of total funds): displaced, repatriated and host families will receive help to meet their immediate needs. For those returning home, this will include essential items (resettlement kit, seeds, tools) and the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure (wells, hospitals, roads). It is estimated that 1,72 million people will benefit from these measures.

In the East of the country, in Ituri and the Kivus, where insecurity is still a problem, the situation is particularly alarming. Not only are hundreds of thousands of people still displaced or in refuge abroad (Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi) due to the insecurity, but more join them every day because of fighting or looting by uncontrolled armed groups.

Over the five last years the European Commission allocated 180 million euros to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is the largest donor of humanitarian aid to the country. This assistance comes in addition to the Commission's long term development program under the 9th EDF.

Ref: EC04-297EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 13/12/2004

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