Belgium allocates four million euros extra humanitarian aid in Mosul, Iraq

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Development Cooperation Alexander De Croo allocates an additional four million euros in emergency humanitarian aid for the people of Mosul. Since October a fierce battle is raging in and around Mosul to recapture the city controlled by Islamic State (IS). One and a half million people are endangered. The additional contribution will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), active on the field.

Alexander De Croo: "Belgium decides to grant an additional assistance after the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the battle of Mosul. An estimated one and a half million people are endangered, half of them are children. The hospitals have been destroyed and there is a shortage of food, clean water, electricity and medicines."

"With this additional contribution of four million euros we fund the work of the ICRC. They are one of the main humanitarian partners of Belgium. The priorities of the International Committee of the Red Cross are fully in line with Belgian policy: providing protection and assistance to people affected by armed conflict, granting access to health care and water and promoting international humanitarian law. "

In 2016, Belgium has provided in total more than 12 million euros in humanitarian aid in Iraq, including 5 million for the ICRC. The battle for Mosul in northern Iraq began two months ago. The Iraqi army is trying to recapture the city, which is now in the hands of IS. Some 90,000 residents of Mosul were forced to leave their homes, but a humanitarian catastrophe threatens many more people. Citizens who take shelter in their homes often no longer have access to electricity or water.

Belgium and the ICRC
This year our country contributed a total of 25.5 million euros to the ICRC. The activities of the ICRC pursue six objectives: to support victims of conflict and other violent situations; to provide care to injured persons and the disabled; to promote respect for international humanitarian law; to visit prisoners; to reunite families; and to support and empower local communities. In Iraq, the ICRC is coordinating its work with the Iraqi Red Crescent.