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EU announces release of aid for Burundi refugees

Xinhua, July 31, 2015 Adjust font size:

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it is releasing 4.5 million euros (4.93 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian assistance to help the increasing number of refugees from Burundi who have fled to neighboring countries.

More than 175,000 people, the majority of whom are women and children, are estimated to have left the country.

"We cannot overlook the deteriorating humanitarian situation affecting Burundi. Refugee numbers are up in the last three months which is a serious cause of concern in an already fragile region. This additional EU humanitarian funding will help neighboring countries accommodate refugees and meet their most urgent needs. It is a strong signal of the EU's solidarity with the most vulnerable people caught in a difficult situation beyond their control," said Christos Stylianides,the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, in a statement Thursday.

The most urgent humanitarian needs to address are shelter, water and sanitation, as well as health assistance to stop the possible surge of diseases and epidemics, such as cholera. A key concern ahead of the rainy season is overpopulation of certain refugee camps, according to officials.

This funding increase brings the total humanitarian aid to the Great Lakes region for 2015 to 56.5 million euros (61.9 million U.S. dollars).

Michael Ryan, Head of the EU Delegation in Rwanda, said the funds would go solely to assist in the Burundi refugee crisis.

"It is well needed...the EU is committed to continue its support of Rwanda and the neighboring countries in this crisis," said Ryan.

Rwanda, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda have been experiencing influx of refugees from Burundi since April. Those arriving cite intimidation, threats and fear of violence as reasons for fleeing the country.

Rwanda hosts slightly more than 70,000 Burundians, with reports indicating that some have started to repatriate following a lull in violence after a controversial election won by President Pierre Nkurunziza.

Tanzania is so far the main hosting country with nearly 80,000 Burundi refugees, followed by Rwanda with 71,158, the Democratic Republic of Congo with 13,368, and Uganda with 11,165. Endi