Press Release: Europe boosts humanitarian aid for Mali

The European Commission is increasing by €5 million its humanitarian funding in Mali. This will bring new European support to the victims of extreme food insecurity and renewed violence in the north of the country. The new assistance package brings the total humanitarian aid funding to Mali in 2014 to €40 million.

The new funding will provide emergency food assistance to more than one million people, including pastoralists who have lost their herds due to this year's particularly long lean season. The newly displaced will also be targeted with aid, including the provision of water and sanitation facilities in the areas where they have found shelter. Malian refugees in the neighbouring countries will also continue to receive humanitarian assistance thanks to the new aid decision.

Part of the European assistance will contribute to the continuation of a humanitarian air service: essential given the frequency of targeted attacks and explosive devices on the roads.

ESO: Background information: Commissioner Piebalgs visits Mali on anniversary of donor conference to launch new projects http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-commissioner-piebalgs-visits-mali-on-anniversary-of-donor-conference-to-launch-new-projects/

EurActiv, 03.10.14: Mali slowly pulling out of crisis http://www.euractiv.com/sections/development-policy/mali-slowly-pulling-out-crisis-308911

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