16/08/2001 (Agence Europe) - The directive on the mechanism for the "temporary protection" for playing host to people obliged to leave their country in great numbers has just been published in the Official Journal (JO L 212/12). The aim of the directive, adopted on 20 July, is to set minimum standards for granting immediate and temporary protection in the event of a mass influx of refugees. These are, throughout the duration of temporary protection: the granting of a residence permit, the right to work or follow a course, medical assistance, help in finding housing. The triggering of this mechanism shall be decided by the Council of Ministers (qualified majority) on the basis of a Commission proposal. There is a one year duration, with the possibility of an automatic twice six-months extensions. Should the situation last, the Council may decide on an additional extension of one year maximum, and if the situation develops positively, it may decide to put an end to it. This mechanism also enables displaced persons to accede to the financial resources of the European Fund for Refugees.