Irish aid grants of £3 million for projects aimed at relieving poverty, hunger and problems facing refugees in a number of countries were announced yesterday by the Minister for Overseas Development and Human Rights, Ms Liz O'Donnell.
Countries in the process of recovering from the effects of conflict, including Bosnia and Rwanda, will receive £1.9 million, while the remaining £1.1 million will be sent to relief projects in Sudan, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Iran, Afghanistan, Burma and Cambodia.
The programme of assistance to victims of conflict abroad was a fitting companion to the Irish people's emphatic renunciation of conflict and enthusiastic embrace of partnership and a peaceful future in last Friday's referendums, Ms O'Donnell said.
It was crucial that there was a speedy response to the needs of communities gripped by hunger and traumatised by conflict.
"I want Irish aid to maintain its readiness to respond promptly to the plight of the most unfortunate of the world's peoples, those who find themselves faced with food shortages and conflict," said Ms O'Donnell.
"In the wake of our people's resounding Yes to peace and partnership in Ireland, I am happy to be able to announce a significant package of assistance to communities in Rwanda, Somalia, Liberia, Angola and Bosnia who are struggling to recover from the scars of conflict."