The money will target the urgent needs of the most vulnerable – including around 27,000 children and infants – that have fled to the Balkans, Greece and Italy, providing jackets, hats, scarves, boots and food as a harsh winter continues.
Justine Greening said the UK will make sure it helps those “who have lost everything and desperately need out support” by stepping up its aid to refugees who have made the perilous journey to Europe and help them cope with worsening weather conditions.
The funds will be delivered to a number of NGOs including UNICEF and the Red Cross, who will receive £2.75m and £3m respectively. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) will see £9.75m and the Start Fund, a consortium of NGOs, will benefit from £11m.
The money will be used to provide warm clothes and blankets for infants and adults, transport from arrival points to accommodation, hot meals and insulated pipes, portacabins and tents, sleeping materials and health services.
“Many children and their families have been left with nothing but the clothes on their back and are in desperate need of basic essentials. As the coldest months of winter are upon us, warm clothes, hot water and warm blankets will help protect the most vulnerable,” said Greening.
The latest round of funding brings the UK’s total support for refugees and migrants caught up in the Mediterranean migration crisis to almost £55m.
