Humanitarian aid: aid to uprooted people (refugees, displaced persons) in Asian and Latin American developing countries

The rapporteur, Mr Howitt (PSE, UK), called on the Community to support those projects that related to mine clearance, the eradication of sexual violence, the provision of essential health care (including psychological treatment) and support for the family unit, including family tracing and reunification programmes. He also wanted to see the Community provide support for operations intended to help people recover their possessions and rights of property, as for example in Guatemala, where 2% of the population owned 98% of the land. Finally, the rapporteur highlighted the need for refugees to participate in the programmes being set up for their benefit and wanted to see displaced persons returning of their own free will and settling in their home areas or in a host country. Commissioner Papoutsis confirmed that the Commission was committed to improving the lot of refugees in their host country, as well as to delivering better training and health services for the population and providing aid for small-scale infrastructure projects. He also flatly rejected Amendments Nos 5 and 12.