EU humanitarian aid for Afghanistan

The European Commission has adopted a new humanitarian aid package worth €17.645 million to support Afghan populations affected by years of conflict and drought. The decision focuses on former refugees returning to Afghanistan from neighboring countries as well as on internally displaced people (IDPs) and other vulnerable and drought-affected populations. The aid is channeled through the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) which comes under the responsibility of Commissioner Poul Nielson. Mr. Nielson stated, "The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is finely balanced. We need to sustain levels of support so as not to jeopardize the fragile humanitarian progress in the country. This decision is an important part of our ongoing commitment to the people of Afghanistan. Helping people is not only a moral imperative but also essential in consolidating the recovery process."

More than two decades of conflict in Afghanistan, coupled with droughts and earthquakes, have led to massive population movements. Many people are still displaced inside the country or live as refugees in neighboring states, but the relative stability in recent months has encouraged large numbers to return to their home areas. With the approach of winter, IDPs, refugees and returnees all need continuing support to ensure that their basic needs are met.

The ECHO funding will cover the distribution of foodstuffs, seeds and fertilizers as well as non-food items such as blankets and fuel. Other components include "food for work" and income generating activities, the provision of shelters, medical support and water/sanitation actions. There is also funding for the protection of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, and returnees and IDPs in Afghanistan.

ECHO's implementing partners for these operations are the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and a number of experienced Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

ECHO has a long-standing commitment to help victims of conflict and natural disasters in Afghanistan. Over the last two years, it has provided humanitarian aid worth almost €120 million. This decision follows on from a €16.7 million package decided in August (See IP/02/1227 of 23 August), bringing the total allocated for 2002 alone to almost €63 million.

| Arriba |

• The European Union and Afghanistan (30/3/2004)
• EU Presidency Statement - Afghanistan (13/9/2002)
• EU humanitarian aid package for Afghan population (23/8/2002)