EU humanitarian aid to refugees from FYROM

The European Commission has approved €1.5 million for emergency humanitarian assistance to refugees fleeing to Kosovo from the current crisis in FYROM. Over 60,000 refugees accommodated in host families in Kosovo will benefit from this decision. The aid will be channeled through the humanitarian aid office ECHO which comes under the responsibility of Commissioner Poul Nielson.

The support provided will benefit refugees from FYROM as well as an estimated 10,000 families who are hosting them. Both the UNHCR and UNICEF will carry out the operations during the next six months. The UNHCR will ensure financial assistance to host families plus the distribution of non-food items to refugees (mattresses, blankets, kitchen sets). UNICEF will undertake a health project consisting of immunization vaccines and treatment of major childhood illnesses for 12,000 children, as well as the provision of emergency equipment for pre-natal, natal and post-natal services.

ECHO has already allocated €12.5 million to Kosovo and €3.9million to FYROM in 2001.

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• EU pledge at FYROM Donors' meeting (12/3/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - Security Council Open Debate on Kosovo (25/2/2002)
• EU humanitarian assistance to FYROM and Kosovo (24/1/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid for FYROM (21/6/2001)
• EU humanitarian aid to FYROM (4/4/2001)