EU announces humanitarian aid for Afghan refugees

BRUSSELS, Jan 30 (KUNA) -- The European Commission announced Tuesday humanitarian assistance of 37.5 million euro (USD 46.5 million) to help Afghan refugees affected by conflict and natural disasters in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan.
The European Commission in a press release said it will provide 27 million euro (USD 33 million) for lifesaving supplies to the most vulnerable populations in Afghanistan who are bearing the consequences of the conflict.
Vulnerable Afghans in Pakistan will benefit from funding of 5.5 million euro (USD 6.8 million), which will primarily help Afghan refugees and those affected by food insecurity and malnutrition as a result of natural disasters.
A further 5 million euro (USD 6.2 million) will support Afghan refugees in Iran and provide food assistance, shelter, health, protection, as well as education for vulnerable Afghan children.
"The assistance we are announcing today will reach those affected by the ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, both within the country and across the region, many of whom face of extremely dire conditions," commented EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.
"Incidents such as last week's attack on a humanitarian organisation take innocent lives and threaten lifesaving support to those most in need. It's fundamental that international humanitarian law is respected, he added. (end) nk.mt