Press Release: Philippines: European Commission provides €3 million in humanitarian aid to conflict-affected people in Mindanao

On 13 July, 2009, the European Commission allocated €3 million in humanitarian aid to assist the most vulnerable people affected by the conflict between the Philippines' armed forces and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the island of Mindanao. More than 240,000 people are internally displaced in Mindanao, most of them living in very difficult conditions in evacuation centres, at relocation sites or with host families. The Commission's relief assistance covers food aid and nutritional surveillance – including feeding programmes for children – as well as basic health care, water and sanitation, shelter, protection and psycho-social activities for displaced children who rarely attend school. All funds are channelled through the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid department under the responsibility of Commissioner Louis Michel. Relief projects are implemented by non-governmental organisations, specialised UN agencies and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.