HC Deb 15 October 2001 vol 372 cc802-3W
Vernon Coaker

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the(a) humanitarian situation and (b) situation of children in Angola. [7429]

Clare Short

The humanitarian consequences of the continuing war in Angola are appalling. Children and other vulnerable groups bear the brunt of the suffering. There is some evidence that in those areas where there is good humanitarian access, malnutrition rates have eased recently, but this represents only temporary respite for a limited number. There remains a pressing need for a negotiated and inclusive end to the conflict. The UK has contributed £2.82 million this year to the humanitarian relief effort through UN agencies and NGO's as well as our contribution through the EC. We continue to monitor the situation through the UN, NGOs, the Red Cross societies, and by undertaking regular visits.