EU humanitarian aid for Sierra Leone

Summary: March 29, 2001: Commission allocates €11 million in humanitarian aid for Sierra Leone (Brussels)

The European Commission has adopted an €11 million intervention plan to help meet continuing humanitarian needs in Sierra Leone. The funds will be channeled by the Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) through partner organizations working in the country. This decision will enable ECHO to continue supporting victims of the ongoing crisis throughout 2001.

Sierra Leone still faces major humanitarian challenges with an estimated 450,000 displaced people living in camps and host communities. The rationalization of the conflict has prompted further population movements with Sierra Leonean refugees returning to escape the fighting. Significant areas of Sierra Leone remain under control of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and are inaccessible to humanitarian agencies.

The intervention plan has three main strands:

integrated assistance for internally displaced people (IDPs), working increasingly through their host communities, covering basic needs such as water, sanitation, health care, nutrition and the supply of relief items;
special support to children (including young ex-combatants) and women affected by the war, as well as amputees;
co-ordination and operational assistance for humanitarian organizations working in the country including logistical support for emergency interventions in remote or isolated areas.

The latest decision covers only Sierra Leone. It does not encompass refugees living in camps in neighboring countries who will be covered by separate arrangements.

Ref: EC01-023EN
EU source: European Commission
UN forum:
Date: 29/3/2001

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