The European Commission (EC) has allocated its sixth allotment of humanitarian funds to Iraq this week, releasing another €31.75 million in favor of vulnerable populations in the Arab state.
The Commission's total humanitarian response to the conflict in Iraq since 2003 has reached €100 million. Activities funded will include the delivery of health, water and sanitation services; education; de-mining and a particular security component in view of the volatile security situation faced by humanitarian aid workers. Funds are managed by the Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO).
When the war broke out on March 20, 2003, Iraq was already facing severe humanitarian problems. These have been exacerbated by the war and the following state of insecurity.
Between 1992 and 2003, ECHO provided humanitarian aid to Iraq worth €157 million. In March, the Commission announced €100 million in emergency funds to meet new needs arising from the war. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
