Scotland Promises Humanitarian Aid For East Africa

Emergency funding of £500,000 has been made available to help deliver humanitarian relief to drought-stricken East Africa.

The money, from the Scottish Government's International Development Fund, is available to organisations in Scotland who are working on the relief efforts in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan.

More than 10 million people are affected by the worst drought in East Africa for almost 60 years. More than 1,300 people a day are reported to be arriving at the Dadaab refugee camp in Eastern Kenya in search of help.

The money available to Scottish organisations will boost the international aid effort.

Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop said:"As a compassionate nation, we are deeply saddened by these unfolding events. Scotland has many aid agencies working in the affected areas, striving to provide help and relief to those suffering.

"This funding will go directly to support these Scottish organisations and will ensure help is given swiftly and directly to those most in need.

"We are working closely with the Disasters Emergency Committee and helping to raise awareness of its fundraising efforts by carrying a link to the appeal on the Scottish Government website."

To be eligible for funding, organisations must have a presence in Scotland, have experience of working in the countries affected or be part of a larger organisation with that experience (organisations are permitted to partner with others more experienced in this region) and have experience of responding to humanitarian aid.

It must be able to demonstrate coherence with local country programmes and evidence of integration with wider international relief efforts, particularly UN agencies and should apply for short term, one-off humanitarian relief for a period not exceeding six months and must meet a recognised need.

(GK/BMcC)