EC approves extra €5m for Georgia victims

The European Commission has today allocated €5m in humanitarian aid for victims of the conflict between Georgia and the Russian Federation.

The aid comes on top of €1m given by the Commission on August 10.

Experts from the Commission's Humanitarian Aid department (ECHO) are in the region, evaluating needs, coordinating activities with relief partner organisations and monitoring the use of Commission funds.

Louis Michel, European commissioner for development and humanitarian aid, said: "The European Commission acted quickly and, immediately after the conflict broke, provided its first humanitarian assistance.

"We are now releasing additional funds following the United Nations' Appeal and on the basis of our own assessment of the humanitarian situation on the spot."

"However, access to the conflict-affected areas remains the most serious difficulty. I call upon the Russian authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid workers have full and safe access to the people in need."

The funding covers food aid, shelter, emergency water and sanitation facilities, non-food items like hygiene kits, clothes, blankets, water containers, cooking and kitchen utensils, health care, logistics and protection, notably for women and children.

Mine clearance as well as mine awareness training and mine risk education activities, with a special emphasis on children, is also covered.