EU en VN lanceren humanitair actieplan voor Democratische Republiek Congo (en)
The European Union and OCHA will convene on 13th February in Brussels a ministerial conference to launch the Humanitarian Action Plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Despite significant political progress, the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) still face enormous hardship. Mortality rates remain stubbornly high, particularly for under-fives, while other health indicators are amongst the worst in the world. The meeting will be hosted by the Belgian Government and chaired by Louis Michel, European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, and Jan Egeland, USG for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator
The Action Plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo is the result of intensive work by the humanitarian community in the DRC and encompasses more than 330 projects with an estimated value of around €561 million (US$681 million).
The European Commission's 2006 humanitarian aid global plan for the DRC, worth €38 million, is part of this common humanitarian strategy.
Commissioner Michel said: "We are committed to a peaceful, democratic and prosperous DRC. The successful completion of the transition process is vital for Congo but also for the stability of the Great Lakes region as a whole. We should and we will help the Congolese people, at this moment of hope, to rise to the challenge. And we will help them now to tackle the urgent humanitarian needs. In that sense, I welcome the Action Plan, as it brings together all the key actors who can help alleviating the suffering of the Congolese people."
Louis Michel added; "The DRC is a good example of the European Commission's policy of linking relief, rehabilitation and development. We are fully committed to humanitarian aid programmes, providing a further €38 million this year on top of the €78 million allocated in 2004 and 2005. At the same time, as urgent needs are tackled, the work is progressively passed on to the national authorities with longer-term funding from development donors such as the European Development Fund."
Another concrete expression of Europe's solidarity with the Congolese people is the €149 million that was provided for the `Electoral Process Support Programme'. This is the highest amount of aid ever granted by the European Union for elections in a non-member country. The EU is also supporting improved policing and security in the DRC.
As part of a common humanitarian strategy, the Commission's 2006 humanitarian funding continues to focus on health, with an emphasis on children and women. Resources are also being provided to support displaced people and refugees. The Commission works with around 180 implementing partners, including specialised UN agencies, the Red Cross movement and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
More information:
For the Commission's 2006 Global Humanitarian Aid Plan for the DRC see:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/echo/information/decisions/index_en.cfm
For the full text of the Action Plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo see: