On Wednesday, the Council of Ministers decided to pay out 21.5 million euros from the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Austrian aid organizations. The “unprecedented scale” of the global humanitarian crises makes this “fast and unbureaucratic” aid necessary, said Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg (ÖVP).
Of the 21.5 million euros, 9.5 million euros will go to projects in sub-Saharan Africa (Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Uganda), eight million euros will be available for projects in the Middle East (Jordan, Lebanon and Syria). . Two million euros each for projects in Ukraine, Afghanistan and surrounding countries.
Fight against illegal migration
“Our security in Europe also largely depends on the security and stability of our neighbors. That is why every effort must be made to prevent illegal migration and also to prevent people from making the dangerous journey to Europe in the first place,” said Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP).
“On-site assistance has a double effect”
Local aid in crisis areas therefore has a double effect: on the one hand it is important to improve the local living situation and alleviate human suffering and on the other hand it helps to prevent illegal migration to Austria and Europe.
The “extremely dangerous mix” of armed conflict, hunger and natural disasters reveals a “whole new dimension of human suffering,” Schallenberg said. He also cited creating new perspectives for people in need and preventing “illegal migration” to Europe as justification for the aid payments.
“Valuable work”
In the broadcast, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also praises the ‘valuable work’ of local NGOs, which are a ‘highly valued partner in local aid’. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign Disaster Fund (AKF) is fuller this year than ever before: 80 million euros are available for humanitarian aid around the world. The processing is carried out by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).
“There is no end to the hardship in sight”
The umbrella organization of development NGOs, the AG Global Responsibility, welcomed the decision and emphasized improved planning of humanitarian operations. “There is no end in sight to the hardship and that is why Austria’s commitment is still in high demand,” said director Lukas Wank. Wank demanded that funds for humanitarian aid and for long-term international development and peace work should be further increased “in accordance with international obligations” and secured in a timely manner for the coming years.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
