Written question asked by Keith Vaz (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 May 1997. It was answered by Clare Short (Labour) on Thursday, 22 May 1997 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Dept for International Development

Question: What provision is being made for the emergency provision of humanitarian relief in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Answer: Mr. Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what provision is being made for the emergency provision of humanitarian relief in the Democratic Republic of Congo. [1036] Clare Short: The needs are unclear. An international assessment will be needed but UN agencies and NGOs report that aid supplies in the region are adequate to cover immediate needs. The airlift of Rwandan refugees from the Kisangani area is ongoing. Thirty-three thousand five hundred refugees have been repatriated so far. The UK has provided finance and personnel to help. I am ready to consider further assistance as needs are identified.

Secondary information