§ 16. Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what humanitarian assistance Her Majesty's Government plans for Sierra Leone during 2000. [111188]
§ Clare ShortOur Programme in Sierra Leone is directed mainly at supporting the peace process and assisting with the preparations for elections in 2001.
We are continuing to support a number of international and local non-government and civil society organisations which are working in the country on food security, basic health care, basic education and water and sanitation projects. During the last 18 months we have committed over £5 million towards these humanitarian assistance activities.
The deployment of the expanded United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone force and continuing progress with the disarmament and demobilisation process will improve the prospects for access to areas which have until now been behind the rebel lines. DFID will continue to support effective co-ordination of humanitarian assistance and will be ready to respond to sensible, well-targeted proposals.