Photo by Richard Lu on Unsplash
The European Commission says it will provide €120 million in new humanitarian aid to several Latin American and Caribbean countries this year.
This, it says, is to help the region’s most vulnerable, in view of the recent natural disasters and armed conflicts.
Part of the aid will also bolster disaster preparedness, vital due to the region’s exposure to natural hazards.
In Venezuela, €38 million will be provided to humanitarian organisations.
This funding targets the ongoing crisis in the country, focusing on protecting vulnerable groups, health, nutrition, and education.
In Colombia, €21 million will support people displaced by armed conflicts and to address migration impacts in border areas with Venezuela. Key areas of assistance include food security, livelihoods, water, sanitation, health, and education.
A further €10 million is allocated regionally in South America to aid those forcibly displaced and at risk.
Ecuador, for instance, will receive €2 million to support those affected by rising violence.
In Central America, €10 million targets those affected by violence and food insecurity, with another €10.1 million for disaster preparedness.
In the Caribbean, Haiti gets over €18 million to tackle the humanitarian crisis from escalating gang violence.
Other Caribbean nations will receive over €8.5 million, primarily for disaster preparedness.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said, “As more and more people suffer the consequences of violence and political unrest across Latin American and the Caribbean, the European Union reaffirms its unwavering commitment to stand with the most vulnerable communities.”
She added, “This new EU funding will enable our humanitarian partners – many of whom are facing critical funding gaps—to continue delivering life-saving assistance where it is needed most. At the same time, the EU will continue supporting disaster preparedness in a region that is on the frontlines of climate change’s impacts and other hazards.”
“The Memorandum of Understanding on disaster risk management, signed a year ago with Latin America and Caribbean representatives, is a tangible example of the EU cooperation on resilience and preparedness. We must build on this momentum, and I look forward to deepening our cooperation to protect and save lives.”
