Sumario: October 2, 2002: Commission allocates EUR 30 million in humanitarian aid for Southern Africa (Brussels)
The European Commission is giving a further €30 million in humanitarian aid to help vulnerable populations in Southern Africa affected by food shortages, displacement and conflict. Commenting on the new decision, Poul Nielson, the Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said it was "a substantial and concrete expression of European solidarity towards the innocent victims of this unfolding crisis." He continued: "We have recognized the need to act quickly to
prevent an already difficult situation turning into a major catastrophe. In mobilizing large-scale humanitarian assistance for Southern Africa, as well as substantial amounts of direct food aid, the European Union has put itself in the forefront of the effort to save lives." Mr. Nielson also stressed the important contribution the EU is making to the enhancement of long-term food security in the region by explicitly ensuring that all food aid is procured regionally or in the neighboring
countries.
The funds come from the emergency reserve of the European Community budget, following the release of additional resources by the budgetary authority announced on 24 July 2002 (IP/02/1118). They will be channeled through ECHO, the Humanitarian Aid Office of the European Commission.
Six countries, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe have been badly affected by the current food crisis. The population's vulnerability has been exacerbated by several factors including drought, economic failures and the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. In many areas, traditional coping mechanisms have been exhausted and increasing numbers of people are malnourished. Detailed assessments show that almost 13 million people in the six countries need food aid.
Angola also continues to face enormous challenges, with several million people still displaced from their home areas and large numbers of ex-combatants and their families awaiting the opportunity to return to normal life. Additionally, some 400,000 refugees are in need of repatriation assistance. Meeting the humanitarian needs of these people is both a moral imperative and a vital element in helping to consolidate the peace process.
The funds allocated under the new decision, which are in addition to the €19.5 million already provided this year for humanitarian operations in the region, will be spent on a series of emergency actions including:
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