IP/01/579
Brussels, 20 April 2001 - The
European Commission has adopted a €32 million intervention plan in response
to continuing humanitarian needs in Tanzania, which has the largest refugee
population in Africa. The funds will be channelled by the Humanitarian
Aid Office (ECHO) through partner organisations working in the country.
Over the last 30 years, Tanzania has played host to large numbers of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries. There are currently over half a million refugees (including more than 370,000 Burundians and 110,000 Congolese) living in 14 camps in the Western provinces. The numbers are likely to remain high in the near future, given the continuing instability in the region. External assistance is crucial to help the country in supporting its huge refugee burden.
Based on close co-operation with ECHO's proposed partners, IFRC, UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Food Programme (WFP), this intervention plan will make a significant contribution to meeting the humanitarian needs of the refugees. The programme covers a wide range of actions including shelter, food aid, health, sanitation, logistics, protection, education, community services, non-food items and environmental protection.