Joe McHugh
Ceist:372. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of support that will be provided for those affected by the recent floods in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25159/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 22 September 2020
Ceisteanna (372)
Freagraí scríofa
Sudan is facing its worst flooding in three decades. Weeks of heavy rains have critically affected more than 730,000 Sudanese people. Sadly, at least 100 people have lost their lives. The Transitional Government of Sudan declared a national state of emergency on 4 September.
Ireland has provided development and humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people for many years. Since 2012, Irish humanitarian funding to Sudan has been over €33 million, enabling the high priority projects implemented by the best placed responders, including UN Agencies as well as international and local NGOs.
So far this year, Ireland has contributed €3.7 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan, including €3 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and €700,000 to Irish NGOs working in the country, including Trócaire, Concern, GOAL and World Vision.
In response to the floods, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund has already activated emergency interventions to provide shelter, health, water and sanitation assistance with €7.5 million worth of projects already approved. A further €4.5 million in emergency funding is available in the pipeline through this Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
In addition to our direct contribution to Sudan, Ireland contributes €10 million each year to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund - a pool of standby funding available for rapid response by UN Agencies to support humanitarian action wherever needs arise. This year more nearly €8.5 million has been provided from this Central Fund to support humanitarian needs in Sudan. Other relevant humanitarian instruments to which Ireland contributes include the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), which has committed over €60 million to humanitarian assistance projects in Sudan in 2020.
My officials are looking actively, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi (which is accredited to Sudan), at additional supports.