European aid for refugees

The European Commission announced on Monday that it had approved nine projects, worth US $16.5 million, which, in line with its strategy over the last 10 years, is aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods for Afghans throughout the region. According to a press release, much of this aid will be used for rehabilitating arable land, drinking water supplies, primary health care and veterinary support in Afghanistan. In response to UNHCR appeals, US $8.2 million of the total has been allocated to assist Afghan refugee programmes in Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan. A further US $2.8 million will be provided by the EU's Humanitarian Office, ECHO, in response to the immediate needs of vulnerable and displaced Afghans in Kabul and other Afghan cities. Integral to the European Union's (EU) strategy is its 'food for work' programmes, which, in collaboration with WFP food aid, encourage the rebuilding of local infrastructure such as roads and sanitation facilities. The EU aid has also enabled women to start income-generating activities such as carpet weaving.