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The Federal Government is providing one million euro to protect refugees in Tunisia
Following the bloody revolution in Libya, many fled to neighbouring Tunisia. Thousands are still living there in refugee camps because they cannot return to their home countries, mostly in East Africa. The Federal Foreign Office has made available one million euro to fund emergency aid for people in Camp Choucha.
To improve the protection of refugees in Tunisia, the Federal Foreign Office is making one million euro available to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In this way the Federal Government is supporting emergency aid for the people in the Choucha refugee camp on the Tunisian-Libyan border. After the violent revolution in Libya, there are still around 3000 refugees there. Many come from East Africa and are unable to return to their countries of origin. The Federal Government also supports the UNHCR in consulting and support for Tunisian authorities and NGOs.
With these measures it is promoting the UNHCR’s comprehensive approach to refugee aid. In addition to on‑site emergency aid, this approach includes support for return to countries of origin, integration in the host country, and resettlement in third countries in certain legitimate cases.
In consultation with Germany’s Länder, the Federal Ministry of the Interior is also preparing to bring around 200 refugees from the camp in Choucha to Germany.
Federal Foreign Minister Westerwelle last visited Tunisia from 8 to 9 January. In that context he praised Tunisia’s willingness to take in refugees from Libya.
In 2011, the Federal Government gave one million euro towards humanitarian aid for refugees in Tunisia. Moreover, within the framework of the transformation partnership, it is making available additional funding for 2012/2013 totalling 32 million euro. These funds are to support democratic change, economic measures, and cooperation in the field of education.
