EU humanitarian aid package for Afghan population

The European Commission has announced a further substantial package of humanitarian aid for vulnerable Afghans living inside the country and as refugees in neighboring states. €16.724 million has been allocated to support a series of actions including assistance for people returning home, support for drought-affected populations and logistics. The funds are being channelled through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) which comes under the authority of Commissioner Poul Nielson. Commenting on the decision, Mr. Nielson emphasized the EU's "ongoing commitment to the people of Afghanistan." He continued: "This was always going to be a long haul. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans who have returned need help to re-establish themselves and many others are still living in camps awaiting the opportunity to go back to their home areas. Helping these people is not just a moral imperative but also essential in consolidating the recovery process."

For returnees, the funding will cover a range of activities including the construction of shelters, latrines and water supply networks, health interventions and the distribution of seeds, fertilizers and basic equipment. Victims of drought including local communities in drought-affected areas of Pakistan will be provided with drinking water, irrigation, primary health care and nutritional support. The decision also has components involving health care provision for Afghan refugees in Pakistan, assistance for detainees in Afghanistan (through the International Committee of the Red Cross) and logistical support for ongoing ground and air transport operations.

ECHO's implementing partners for these operations are UN agencies, including the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) Red Cross organizations and NGOs with experience of working in the region.

To maximize the impact of its funding, ECHO works closely with other Commission services responsible for longer term rehabilitation and development actions and with the wider aid community working in Afghanistan.

Since the beginning of 2001, the Commission has provided humanitarian aid worth more than €100 million for the victims of the Afghan crisis. For 2002, the initial funding of €35 million was increased by a further €25 million (see IP/02/1118 of 24 July 2002) following a decision by the EU's budget authority in response to a request from the Commission. Almost three quarters of this €60 million, including this decision, has now been allocated.

| Arriba |

• EU humanitarian aid for Afghanistan  (30/10/2002)
• Commissioner Patten's Speech on Afghanistan at EP (4/9/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid for Southern Africa, Afghanistan and Palestinians (24/7/2002)
• EU Presidency Statement - The situation in Afghanistan (19/7/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid to Afghan refugees (19/6/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid for Afghanistan (17/6/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid for Afghanistan (15/5/2002)