§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many Kosovar refugees are in front-line states other than Macedonia and Albania; and whether the Government contribute to the work of non-governmental organisations in those areas. [HL2957]
§ Baroness AmosAccording to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), there are 69,700 Kosovar refugees in Montenegro. There are the following numbers of asylum seekers in the other front line states, most of whom are assumed to be Kosovar refugees:
- Hungary: 2,460
- Bulgaria: 240
- Romania: 240
At present, we are contributing to the work of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Christian Aid, World Vision, and Radio Mir in Montenegro. We are not currently contributing to non-governmental organisations in Hungary, Bulgaria or Romania.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Which British non-governmental organisations are active in helping refugees from Kosovo who are now in neighbouring states. [HL2958]
§ Baroness AmosThe Department for International Development is funding 23 NGOs, most of which are British based.
They are:
Action Against Hunger, the Adventist Relief Agency, Catholic Fund for Overseas Development (CAFOD), CARE International, Children's Aid Direct, Christian Aid, Food for the Hungry, Marie Stopes International, the Medical Foundation for the Victims of Torture, Merlin, Oxfam, the Salvation Army, Save the Children, UK Jewish Aid, War Child, World Vision.
A full list of all British NGOs working in the region is not available. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is responsible for co-ordinating the agencies.
§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
What material support will be given to refugees returning to Kosovo. [HL2960]
68WA
§ Baroness AmosThe Department for International Development (DfID) will be actively involved in supporting the returning refugees. We currently have an emergency assessment team in Kosovo. The immediate priority areas are de-mining and mines awareness education, and the provision of emergency relief (shelter, food, medicine, emergency rehabilitation of infrastructure).
We are also working to provide returning refugees with up to date information about the conditions in Kosovo. We are funding a public information officer for United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and are also supporting radio broadcasting to refugees in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro and through the BBC World Service.
The UK trucking convoy is active in moving supplies into Kosovo. DfID's new Pristina office will examine proposals from UN agencies, Red Cross and NGOs for specific support, taking into account the contribution of others.