Brussels, 15/01/2008 (Agence Europe) - On 14 January, the Commission announced that it was earmarking €5.5 million in humanitarian aid for victims of post-electoral violence in Kenya. The emergency procedure will allow ECHO, the Commission's humanitarian aid department, to release the aid within 72 hours.
“More than a quarter of million people are displaced and a similar number already living a precarious existence in the shanty towns, have been badly affected. We urge all the parties to stop immediately the violence and to engage immediately and seriously in talks with a view to find a political solution,” said Development and Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel.
The aid will focus on the most basic needs of the people who have been displaced as a result of the violence which followed the announcement of the outcome of the presidential election on 27 December. The funds will target key essentials including tents, clean water, sanitation, emergency health care, basic household equipment, hygiene products, food and logistics. (A.N.)