Summary: 8 August 2007, Brussels - The European Commission has allocated €10 million in humanitarian aid for the Sahrawi population living in camps near Tindouf, western Algeria. The funds will help to meet the refugees' basic needs for food aid, healthcare, clean water and proper sanitation as well as providing tents and basic household items. The funds are channelled through ECHO, the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid department, under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel.
The Sahrawi refugees have been living in four camps located near Tindouf for more than 30 years. They depend entirely international assistance for their survival. The EU is the largest donor in this long-term humanitarian crisis. As a result of this latest financing, projects will be funded in the following areas:
Water and sanitation, health and "non-food" items
€5 million is dedicated to improving the living conditions of the refugees by ensuring adequate access to basic services such as health, water and waste management. Essential items including tents and hygiene products are also part of the package. Handicapped people will be targeted for specific assistance.
Food
A further €5 million has been allocated from a global food aid decision. This will cover some staple food requirements as well as the supply of fresh food (fruit and vegetables throughout the year, and meat and other products during Ramadan). The aim is to support a dietary balance, ensuring that the refugees have access to an appropriate vitamin and micronutrient intake.
Activities will be implemented by ECHO operational partners: NGOs and United Nations agencies.
Since 1993, the Commission has provided more than €133 million in aid to the Sahrawi refugees; an expression of solidarity with the victims of this protracted crisis.
More on:
http://ec.europa.eu/echo/field/algeria/index_en.htm
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