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Colombia: EU steps up humanitarian aid by €34 million as Commissioner Lenarčič visits region
As the EU continues to strengthen its partnership with Latin American countries, Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, is visiting the region this week, starting in Colombia. During the visit, the Commissioner will see EU aid projects in Colombia's Pacific region, and meet with representatives of the Colombian government and UN agencies.
Commissioner Lenarčič announced over €34 million in assistance for humanitarian aid in Colombia, of which €22 million will support those affected by the Venezuelan crisis.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, yesterday said:
“Colombia is making great strides to build peace and reconciliation. In this challenging process, led against the backdrop of protracted humanitarian situation, the EU will continue to support Colombia, also by helping the most vulnerable in the country. I am here today to express concrete EU solidarity with all the people in need and to commend Colombia for demonstrating true generosity by hosting Venezuelan refugees in these difficult times.”
The humanitarian funding allocated in Colombia aims to address the needs of people affected by conflict, especially Afro-Colombians and indigenous communities, natural hazards and those of Venezuelan refugees and vulnerable migrants in the country, as well as host communities. Food assistance, healthcare services, education in emergencies, protection, psychosocial, and legal assistance are the main sectors of intervention.
Funding will also enhance Disaster Preparedness programmes to increase resilience of vulnerable populations which is key to counter the rising devastating implications of climate change in Colombia but also in the wider region.
Visit to indigenous communities and Afro-Colombian communities
The Commissioner is due to travel to the Chocó department of Colombia, to meet with leaders from local indigenous communities as well women leaders and civil society from the Afro-Colombian population in the area, and speak to families affected by recruitment of children to the armed groups. He will also met with representatives from State Disaster Management and Conflict Victims Units.
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