§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that, as the United Nations High Commission for Refugees scales down its operations in Kosovo, adequate resources are available to UNMIK and all those responsible for civil administration to ensure that the economic, security and other needs of returning and returned refugees and displaced people are fully met. [HL3855]
§ Baroness AmosWe have allocated £15 million to our bilateral programme in Kosovo over three years. It is supporting capacity building in health, social welfare, public administration reform, development of public broadcasting, organisation of elections, and economic development. These activities are intended to benefit all people in, or returning to, Kosovo. Our bilateral contribution is in addition to our (approximately £39 million) share of the European Community programme, which is providing a total of 360 million euros of assistance this year.
We have also earmarked funds for commitment to the international agencies should they identify new humanitarian needs in Kosovo not covered by existing contributions.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to 16WA ensure that adequate funding is available for temporary shelters for those without habitable homes in Kosovo for as long as such shelters are required. [HL3799]
§ Baroness AmosWe have earmarked funds to enable us to respond to any appeals for emergency needs including shelter not already being met by the international community.
§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they are taking together with other governments and international organisations to ensure that special targeted financial assistance is provided for those returned refugees and displaced people in Kosovo who are without any means to complete the construction or reconstruction of their homes. [HL3798]
§ Baroness AmosThe housing reconstruction programme in Kosovo is being funded and managed by the European Community's Agency for Reconstruction. The cost of the programme this year is 55 million euros, of which the UK share is approximately £5.8 million. Additionally, we are providing £260,000 in bilateral funds for the renovation of severely damaged houses in the area of Operation Trojan, a community project led by the British forces in Kosovo Force. Operation Trojan aims, in part, to encourage displaced Serbs and Albanians to return to their home villages.
The beneficiaries of housing reconstruction are selected by municipal housing committees. We understand that the United Nations Mission in Kosovo is considering the introduction of accelerated appraisals for returning refugees and displaced people.