§ 14. Mr. CoakerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what progress is being made to support the continuing humanitarian relief effort in(a) Kosovo and (b) Montenegro. [67519]
§ Clare ShortThe United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that there were 200,000 persons displaced within Kosovo as at 22 January.
We are working closely with international organisations, led by UNHCR, to ensure that the humanitarian needs of those affected by the conflict in Kosovo are met. During 1999, UNHCR-led convoys have provided food and other items to more than 40,000 people throughout Kosovo. These supplies were provided through UNHCR, World Food Programme, Mercy Corps International, Catholic Relief Services, Children's Aid Direct, Doctors of the World, World Vision and Oxfam.
It has been reported that refugees have begun entering Montenegro once more in the light of deteriorating security in Kosovo. UNHCR are financing an operation 638W to register refugees from Kosovo who will be provided with an identity card to confirm that they are entitled to assistance.
The World Health Organisation is co-ordinating regular visits by medical teams, which are currently providing mental outreach services and organising education and hygiene programmes for those living in collective centres.