Written answers

Thursday, 8 May 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Overseas Development Aid

5:00 pm

Photo of Barry AndrewsBarry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Question 261: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on providing humanitarian assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons in eastern Chad in view of anticipated shortages in food aid ahead of June 2008 when it is anticipated that roads will become impassable due to seasonal flooding. [17587/08]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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UN agencies and other development agencies have identified deteriorating security and internal displacement as two of the chief operational challenges they face in addressing the humanitarian situation in Chad in 2008. We are very aware of the situation and my colleague, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD, visited Chad in November of last year, to see the situation on the ground in advance of the arrival of the contingent of Irish peacekeepers. He met with Government Ministers, but also with the humanitarian agencies and a number of refugees.

There are more than 252,000 Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, 12,000 of who have crossed from Darfur since early February. Additionally there are about 180,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs). There are also approximately 57,000 refugees who have fled conflict in the Central African Republic. It is estimated that there are about 50,000 refugees from Chad currently displaced across the border in Sudan.

The transport of relief supplies to eastern Chad is a major and complex logistical challenge. Most supplies must pass through Cameroon or Libya and this involves an overland journey of up to 1,800 kilometres, through difficult terrain.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and other relief-providers active in food aid and food security in eastern Chad are aware of the seasonal factors involved in maintaining this pipeline and have planned accordingly. However, the sheer difficulty involved in this provision means it is likely that not all plans will be realised, and some contingency measures may be necessary.

Ireland's support to humanitarian endeavour in Chad has increased significantly. Since 2007 Ireland has provided over €11 million in assistance. The partner organisations delivering this assistance on the ground have included the WFP, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and Concern and MSF. Funding also included a contribution of €2 million to the Humanitarian Air Service, which provides transport to remote regions. We continue to monitor the situation on the ground and will respond appropriately.

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