Minister of State for Overseas Development, Peter Power T.D., announces major assistance package for the people of Iraq

Minister of State for Overseas Development, Mr. Peter Power T.D., today announced funding of over €2.9 million towards meeting the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. 

The funding will address the basic needs of the most vulnerable people within Iraq - in particular the displaced and their host communities - as well as the needs of Iraqi refugees in neighbouring countries. Announcing the funding, the Minister said:

“There has been a welcome reduction in the overall level of violence in Iraq this year, but the appalling deaths of civilians in recent weeks highlight the continuing suffering of the Iraqi people and the enormity of the challenge of political reconciliation which they and their elected representatives face. 

Iraq is now experiencing one of the most serious displacement crises in the world.  The funding announced today will be channelled through a number of Irish Aid’s key humanitarian partners who are working tirelessly and courageously, often in very difficult circumstances, to meet the critical needs of the most vulnerable Iraqis.”

The total allocation of €2,940,850 will be distributed as follows:

- €1.7 million to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) for the Agency’s work with Iraqi refugees and internally displaced persons;

- €450,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC);

- €300,000 to the Humanitarian Response Fund managed by the UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq.  This Fund is designed to provide quickly-disbursed funds for urgent humanitarian activities within Iraq;

- €490,850 to the AMAR (Assisting Marsh Arabs and Refugees) International Charitable Foundation for healthcare rehabilitation in the southern Iraqi marshlands.
 

In addition to this funding, a large shipment of blankets, plastic water containers, plastic sheeting for temporary shelter and kitchen sets from the Irish Aid humanitarian supplies pre-positioned in Brindisi, Italy is on its way to the region for distribution by the UNHCR to displaced people in Iraq.  

Ends+++
Press Office
8th August 2008