Vol. 509 No. 6
149 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the international relief organisations are dealing adequately with the situation in Kosovo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21061/99]
The current humanitarian situation in Kosovo is extremely complex and involves a number of components including emergency relief, democratisation and economic reconstruction. The UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has been given overall responsibility for co-ordinating all of these areas. The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has been tasked with leading the relief effort.
The principal challenge for relief organisations is to prepare for the onset of winter, which in the Balkans can be very harsh. UNHCR, ECHO and OFDA (USA) are cooperating to provide the necessary materials to fully winterise at least one room of each house that is damaged but repairable. In addition, work is continuing on preparing community shelters for the most vulnerable people. In urban areas heating is also a major problem and the EU is funding basic repairs to the electricity supply. These activities are well organised and are proceeding with significant support from the Kosovars themselves.
Overall there is not a major problem concerning food security. Immediately after the return of Kosovars from neighbouring countries, food distributions were carried out to the entire population. However, due to improving food security, food is now distributed to a much smaller number of more vulnerable people.
As with any operation of its size, the work of international relief organisations is not without some difficulties. But the results to date have been marked by a good degree of coordination and the most urgent needs would appear to be addressed. A recent monitoring visit by officials from this Department confirmed this view.
