WRITTEN QUESTION E-3039/01 by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission. Appeal to end bombing and send humanitarian aid.
Date: 2001-10-30
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Afghanistan, aid to refugees, cease-fire, humanitarian aid, military cooperation, war damage

C 172 E/24

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.7.2002

developing countries (1), new NGO projects in favour of the Afghan people totalling some € 20 million are
in the process of being decided by the Commission, to be financed on the resources of the same budget
line for 2001.

(1) OJ L 287, 31.10.2001.

(2002/C 172 E/025)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3039/01

by Anna Karamanou (PSE) to the Commission

(30 October 2001)

Subject: Appeal to end bombing and send humanitarian aid

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, has warned of a new tragedy in
Afghanistan as a result of the constant bombing and the likelihood of mass slaughter in the feuding within
the country. Mrs Robinson also appealed for an end to the bombing to enable humanitarian aid to be sent
to the refugees on a massive scale.

What is the Commission’s position in regard to the UN High Commissioner’s warning and appeal?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(19 December 2001)

The Union has noted the appeal for a bombing pause made by the United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights.

After their meeting in Ghent on 19 October 2001, the Heads of Government of the Union and the
President of the Commission issued a declaration which set out Union support for the international
coalition’s objective of the elimination of the Al Quaida terrorist organisation.

The process of achieving this objective by military means is now in progress, through the targeted
elimination of Taliban and Al Quaida positions and assets. The Union believes that the international
coalition makes every effort to ensure that the effects of military action on civilians are minimised.

The Commission shares the concern expressed by others union actors about the humanitarian situation
inside Afghanistan and about the risk of food shortages in parts of the country as winter sets in. United
Nations agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), with the assistance of neighbouring states
are making efforts to reach at risk groups in all parts of the country. Aid continues to be delivered through
dedicated and competent local staff remained in the country with a remote control from expatriates re-
located in neighbouring countries around Afghanistan. The Community through European Community’s
Humanitarian Aid Office (ECHO) has provided a further € 25 million for projects mainly inside the
country as the massive exodus towards neighbouring countries has not materialised as yet. Most projects
are directed to populations located in drought stricken areas as well as to Internally Displaced People
which already totalled 700 000 prior to 11 September 2001. This allocation comes on top of the 23,3
million € allocated by ECHO prior to the events for 2001. The total Community contribution to
Afghanistan through various budgetary lines comes to 100 million in 2001.

The Commission sees the provision of relief inside Afghanistan as the highest humanitarian priority in the
region. Consequently, it is vital that access for aid to all areas of the country is maintained and that
humanitarian assistance should be provided to crisis victims, wherever they are, on an impartial and
neutral basis.