JLkHY3Tx
type: Answer
type: WrittenAnswer
answer has question: Hu2AMNLq
answer has answering person: rbKJTCFu
answer text: Mrs. Spelman: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on (a) the provision of aidto and (b) the standards in refugee camps in Pakistan. [25273]Hilary Benn: In addition to those who have moved into Pakistan from Afghanistan since 11 September, Pakistan has been shoulderingthe burden of some 2 million refugees from Afghanistan for many years. Over the last 20 years, these refugees have been hosted incamps in Pakistan or absorbed into local communities. The majority of the camps in Pakistan pre-date the agreement of theinternational Sphere standards.The international community is giving Pakistan all possible support in coping with this burden and making progress towards improvingstandards in camps, including ensuring that all refugees are properly cared for.So far DFID has committed £3 million to UNHCR's operations, in response to the current crisis, to support its operations forrefugees. This has included technical personnel, material and financial support. At the request of UNHCR, we have provided threerelief flights to Iran and Pakistan transporting tents, shelter material and communications equipment. We have also provided aspecialist site planner to UNHCR in Pakistan to assist with the setting up of new refugee camp sites. In addition we have provided£6 million to NGOs, much of which has been directed towards Afghans in neighbouring countries, including Pakistan, and £11 millionto support communities in Pakistan most affected by the influx of refugees.
answer given date: 2002-01-09+00:00
answer has answering body: g8hByIik
written answer has answering body: g8hByIik