Question for written answer E-002122-19
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jytte Guteland (S&D) , Josef Weidenholzer (S&D) , Bodil Valero (Verts/ALE) , Ana Miranda (Verts/ALE) , Ivan Štefanec (PPE) , Fabio Massimo Castaldo (EFDD) , Ana Gomes (S&D) , Norbert Neuser (S&D) , Paloma López Bermejo (GUE/NGL) , Eugen Freund (S&D) , José Inácio Faria (PPE) , Ivo Vajgl (ALDE)

In 2018, the UNHCR published a report entitled ‘Humanitarian Needs of Sahrawi Refugees in Algeria’. It has also published other reports concerning the situation of refugees in Algeria. In these reports, the population in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf is estimated at 173 600, of which 90 000 individuals are considered to be among the most vulnerable. The figures regarding vulnerability have remained the same since 2007, despite population growth. According to the UNHCR, the need for funding has increased from USD 66 million in 2018 to USD 71 million in 2019.

In its answer to parliamentary Question E-002896/18, the Commission stated that a vulnerability assessment is required in order to update its financial plan for humanitarian aid to the refugee camps in Tindouf.

1. When is ECHO going to adapt its financial aid to the updated population figures from 2018? Will ECHO compensate for financial aid lost during the programming period as a result of underestimated population figures?

2. Can the EU make better use of its external instruments, including Erasmus+, to ease the living conditions for refugees in Tindouf and address the lack of opportunities for the younger Sahrawi generation?