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20.03.2008 United Kingdom

UK ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL £15 MILLION FOR IRAQ HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS

20.03.2008 LISTEN
By Sarah Thoms

International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander today announced that the UK would contribute £12 million to international humanitarian agencies operating in Iraq, including £5 million to the Consolidated Appeal for Iraq (CAP). He also announced £3 million for the UN Refugee Agency's (UNHCR) assistance programme for Iraqi refugees, bringing DFID's total humanitarian contribution for Iraq to £15 million this year.

UN agencies recently launched the joint CAP with non-governmental organisations operating in Iraq to help meet the immediate needs of the Iraqis most at risk, including those who have been displaced inside the country. The CAP appeals for funds for a variety of UN agencies and other international and national aid agencies operating within Iraq.

Douglas Alexander said:
"The UK will become one of the first major donors to provide funding for the UN-launched CAP. We will make £5 million available immediately, which will help meet critical needs in food, health care, water and sanitation for those most at risk.
"In addition, the UK will provide £7 million for other international relief efforts inside Iraq and £3 million to help the UNHCR continue their activities in support of Iraqi refugees in the region, including refugee registration, delivery of much needed financial and legal aid, and improving access to education and health."

Since 2003, DFID has committed £147 million in humanitarian assistance for Iraq. This includes support to Iraqi refugees in the Middle East region. Further assistance will be considered in line with emerging needs.

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