92002E3010

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3010/02

by Chris Davies (ELDR) to the Commission

(23 October 2002)

Subject: Humanitarian crisis, Northern Uganda

In the Uganda-European Community Country Strategy Paper and National Indicative Programme for the period 2002-2007 Section 3.1: The Political Situation (p. 5), the Commission states that:

Apart from the North and South West areas affected by rebellions, there is a general sense of security and of not being exposed to exactions from State organs.

Is the Commission aware of the developing humanitarian crisis in large parts of northern Uganda as escalating conflict between the Ugandan Government and the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) has led to food production being stopped in some areas and that aid convoys have been terminated following attacks upon them, resulting in up to 120 000 people being threatened with starvation?

What representations has the Commission made to the Ugandan Government regarding the growing humanitarian crisis?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 2002)

The Commission has been following the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Northern Uganda very closely and with increasing concern. An assessment mission undertaken by the Commission in early October 2002 has re-confirmed this concern.

The Commission is already providing humanitarian assistance to the region through United Nations (UN) agencies and a wide range of non-governmental organisations. This assistance comprises food aid, water and sanitation, medical and educational supplies and support to released abductees/former child soldiers. In particular, the Commission, through Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO), has already more then doubled its allocation for Uganda in 2002 to over EUR 2 million for the people affected, notably an estimated 700 000 internally displaced persons affected by insecurity in that region. In addition, ECHO has made arrangements to allow ECHO Flight to respond rapidly to requests for emergency missions.

The UN agencies are currently assessing food shortages as well as harvests for the coming year and the Commission will most probably contribute to cover part of the needs.

The Commission, together with other donors supporting Uganda, is in discussion with the Government to ensure that the northern regions receive a fair share of the resources earmarked for development.