Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
171
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which the UN has been successful in targeting the areas affected by the most severe food shortages in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26794/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
172
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the position in regard to alleviation of starvation in the various locations in Africa; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[26795/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 171 and 172 together.
The UN has a major role to play in responding to humanitarian emergencies throughout the world. In relation to the gathering famine in Africa, the World Food Programme is the key UN agency tasked with identifying food stocks and delivering them to the millions in dire need of food assistance. Other agencies, such as UNICEF, UNHCR and FAO, play important supporting roles. The humanitarian effort is co-ordinated by the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA. At the moment the World Food Programme estimates that up to 38 million Africans are directly affected by severe food shortages on the continent. Southern Africa and the Horn of Africa account for 28 million of these. The other shortages are spread through western and central Africa. Approximately 60% of WFP's work takes place in Africa. The WFP's budget for Africa is about US $1.4 billion of which US $700 million has been raised. In relation to the delivery of food aid, the WFP has been Ireland's largest partner in recent years. In 2002, Ireland contributed €8.4 million to WFP operations. WFP distributes food through NGOs and a number of Irish NGOs have agreements with WFP to distribute food to those most in need.
Ireland Aid monitors WFP operations through ongoing contacts at headquarters, visits to the field and consultations with NGOs which are partners of WFP. In general, the feedback has been very positive regarding WFP's operational capacity and its ability to get food as quickly as possible to those most in need. The deputy executive director of WFP, Jean Jacques Graisse, visited Ireland for talks with Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Kitt, senior Ireland Aid officials and NGOs. The crisis in Africa was covered in detail and the deputy executive director outlined WFP's requirements over the coming months. WFP currently feeds 80 million people worldwide.
The alleviation of starvation in Africa will require a complex and multi-disciplined approach addressing all key sectors and with particular emphasis on agriculture and rural development. The Government is actively addressing these complex issues bilaterally and with our partners in the European Union and the United Nations. To date this year, the Government has intervened to provide emergency and rehabilitation assistance on more than 74 occasions in 14 African countries. This emergency and rehabilitation assistance amounts to more than €20 million. In addition to the Government's emergency humanitarian assistance, Ireland Aid is delivering long-term development support to famine-affected countries in Africa with an emphasis on poverty reduction through the provision of basic needs and capacity building support. Food security needs are addressed as part of this approach. Long-term support to southern Africa currently exceeds €80 million per annum and similar support for Ethiopia will exceed €27 million in 2003, making Ireland one of the largest donors in that country.
Beyond the immediate food requirements for Africa, the Government will continue to work with its EU and UN partners to address the underlying structural problems which led to cyclical food shortages. It is only through the achievement of long-term development that the recurring famines in Africa can be reduced. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we continue to respond quickly to alleviate the suffering of those worst affected by humanitarian emergencies.
Question No. 173 answered with Question No. 81.
Question No. 174 answered with Question No. 53.
