Estonia Sends Supplies to Aid Workers’ Field Camp in Haiti
23.01.2010
At the request of the UN Office for the Co-ordination of
Humanitarian Affairs, Estonia will be sending supplies to the
humanitarian operations information centre.
According to Foreign Minister Urmas Paet, Estonia will be sending
two 45 m2 tents with floors, furniture and lighting. “These Estonian
tents are needed to provide the aid operation workers with temporary
living and working quarters, thereby helping aid to reach those who
need it faster. Each tent contains working space for 20 people,”
explained Foreign Minister Paet. The tents were acquired by the Rescue
Board with the support of the Foreign Ministry in 2009 within the
framework of the project to increase the capability of International
Humanitarian Partnership.
Foreign Minister Paet stated that it is critically important for
help to reach the people who need it in Haiti as quickly as possible.
“At the earliest opportunity, when the long-term aid requirements in
Haiti have been estimated, we will need to start making plans to
support the reconstruction and restoration of Haiti,” said Paet. The
foreign minister emphasised the importance of close co-operation among
European Union member states in reacting to humanitarian crises.
Paet noted that aid sent to alleviate the aftermath of the Haiti
earthquake should include measures to ensure public order and a way to
ensure access for humanitarian aid as well as its proper distribution.
“On Monday the European Union foreign ministers will discuss matters
related to possibly sending a civil mission. Estonia supports
initiating preparations for the potential implementation of a European
Union civil mission,” said Foreign Minister Paet.
Estonia is contributing 2.5 million kroons (160 000 EUR) through the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to
alleviate the effects of the earthquake in Haiti. Estonia also sent an
IT expert and a 3-member logistics team with supplies to Haiti to
support the activities of international organisations. A member of the
Estonian Rescue Board also worked in Haiti as part of the European
Union evaluation team.
The European Commission has promised to support long-term
reconstruction work in Haiti with 3.1 billion kroons (200 million EUR).
The European Commission has allocated 468 million kroons (30 million
EUR) for humanitarian aid in Haiti and the member states have
bilaterally donated nearly 1.44 billion kroons (92 million EUR).
SPOKESPERSON´S OFFICE
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+372 521 3085
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