HC Deb 25 November 1996 vol 286 c79W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the United Nations to ensure the distribution of food and water to Rwandan refugees in Zaire takes place. [5163]

Sir Nicholas Bonsor

We are in close and regular contact with UN agencies and with the parties in the region to assess requirements and to ensure wider distribution of humanitarian relief to those in most need. We are also engaged in intensive consultations with potential partners and the UN on possible roles for the temporary multinational force authorised under United Nations Security Council resolution 1080, and the humanitarian task force the UN Secretary-General was requested to plan for in UNSCR 1078.

My right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development announced on 20 November that the UK is providing a further £10 million of assistance to the Great Lakes region to help meet immediate humanitarian needs and support the long-term needs arising from the return of refugees to their homes.