The European Union delivers EUR 9 million in humanitarian assistance in Kirkuk

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Erbil, 8th October 2015- Recognising the need to immediately scale up its response to growing needs, the European Commission has increased its support to humanitarian organisations providing lifesaving assistance in Kirkuk. The funding amounts to a total of EUR 9 million and is part of the latest allocation of EUR 25 million pledged for Iraq in June.
This funding will support more than 10 mobile health units, three maternity wards and deliver improved water and sanitation services for over 10 000 individuals. In addition, emergency cash assistance valued at 2 million euros will help newly displaced families cover their emergency needs and will boost local markets.
On July 26th, EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection, Christos Stylianides, paid an official visit to Kirkuk. Commissioner Stylianides was struck by the suffering of those displaced, but also heartened by the generosity and resilience of the host community and local authorities: “The EU acknowledges and shoulders its efforts in responding to the current humanitarian crisis, promoting national solidarity and reconciliation. We are committed to delivering impartial humanitarian assistance to all those most vulnerable in Kirkuk. Kirkuk has always been a place where people from different cultures and ethnicities live side by side.”
Over 500 000 people have fled the conflict and found refuge in Kirkuk governorate since the start of the current humanitarian crisis in Iraq.
Shortly after Commissioner Stylianides visit to Iraq last July, the European Commission substantially increased it’s funding for humanitarian actions in Kirkuk. The Commission’s support comes at a time when growing fighting in Daquq and Hawija districts, has recently displaced an additional 15 000 persons, further increasing the already dire humanitarian needs in the governorate.
Iraq factsheet, click here

Contacts
Caroline Gluck, Regional Information Officer ECHO Amman, Caroline.Gluck@echofield.eu
Mohammed Fawzi, EUDelegation Iraq Press and Information Officer, Mohammed.FAWZI@eeas.europa.euhe
Reem Al Jazi, EU Delegation Jordan Press and Information Officer, Reem.AL-JAZI@eeas.europa.eu