27/07/2020 (Agence Europe) – More than 40 tonnes of medical and emergency supplies have arrived in Iraq on board a flight from the EU’s humanitarian airlift set up as part of its global response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the European Commission announced on Monday 27 July. In addition, a new €35 million humanitarian aid programme has been approved for victims of conflict and forced displacement. Emergency health care, shelter, access to safe water and sanitation, education and protection of people are the priorities. “In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, humanitarian organisations are facing very difficult access conditions, while the needs in Iraq increase”, says Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič. The airlift is helping to overcome logistical difficulties in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Iraq. (AN)