UK support for political stability, refugee response

After pledging to address malnutrition in Kenya, the United Kingdom is now committing to provide 39.3 million pounds ($63 million) to Somalia and Syria.

Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening, along with Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds, outlined the United Kingdom’s 38.3 million pounds, three-year aid package to recently appointed Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

“The recent peaceful transition of power shows that there is now a real opportunity to help the people of Somalia to grow and prosper. The UK is committed to working in partnership with the new government and the Somali Parliament to achieve this,” Greening said in a press release.

The U.K. Department for International Development has yet to announce channels for the funds, which will provide 3,000 girls and women access to justice and make schools, latrines, roads and health clinics available to 20,000 Somalis.

The aid package aims to improve security, safety and public financial management in Somalia, and make districts more accountable and responsive to communities’ needs.

Meanwhile, 1 million pounds will be given to the Turkish Red Crescent Society, through the British Red Cross, to provide 10,000 Syrian refugees in Turkey the essentials needed to cope with the winter. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg pledged the additional support after seeing provisions and supplies being used in camps during a meeting with the Red Crescent.

“The Turkish government has shown real leadership and generosity in accommodating the large number of Syrians seeking refuge in their country,” Clegg notes in a communique. “It’s clear that the scale of the challenge is huge with over 93,000 registered refugees in the camps along the Syrian-Turkish border and more crossing every day.”

This brings existing U.K. humanitarian funding for Syria to 39.5 million pounds, of which 18 million pounds is for the refugee response.

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