Written question asked by Nicholas Winterton (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 June 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 June 2006. It was answered by Hilary Benn (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 June 2006 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Zimbabwe

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent assessment he has made of the humanitarian impact of land clearances in Zimbabwe.

Answer: DFID liaises closely with UN agencies and NGOs who closely monitor ongoing vulnerability among the 700,000 people whose homes or livelihoods were destroyed by the Government of Zimbabwe during last year's Operation Murambatsvina (Drive out Rubbish). The UN is also investigating new episodes of evictions.Last year, DFID committed £1.8 million to the humanitarian response, which reached some 200,000 people with food, blankets and other essentials. For many the situation remains difficult, especially regarding shelter. We recently contributed a further £1.1 million to provide practical assistance to vulnerable urban families. We continue to raise concerns through the UN.

Secondary information