Sweden's humanitarian contribution amounts to almost SEK 700 million. Photo: WFP/Rose Ogola
An extra SEK 200 million to the Horn of Africa
The Government decided today to increase Sida's humanitarian allocation to help people in need in the Horn of Africa. The money will go towards meeting basic needs such as health, food, water, sanitation and protection of children.
Also today, staff from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency will be travelling to Ethiopia to participate in the UN mission in the refugee camps in Dollo Ado. The mission, which involves building a housing and office camp for about 30 UN employees, will be funded by Sida.
SEK 41 million of Sweden's core support to Somalia
"In view of the famine disaster that has hit two regions of Somalia and that is in danger of worsening, USD 6.5 million of Sweden's core support to the World Food Programme (WFP) will now be allocated to efforts in Somalia," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson. (USD 6.5 million = approx. SEK 41 million)
Fredrik Reinfeldt on the events in Norway
Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt commented on Friday evening, 22 July, on the events in Norway:
"I deeply regret the tragic events that have taken place in Oslo and at the Norwegian Labour Party youth camp. My thoughts go out to the families of the victims and to those who have been injured. I have been in touch with Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg to deplore what has happened and we have offered our help if needed. Sweden is following developments as they unfold."
At a press conference on Saturday, 23 July, Fredrik Reinfeldt said:
"The whole of Norwegian society now faces a tough challenge. But these questions will also reach us here in Sweden. A hunt for answers, the desire to understand, anger and fear over how someone can be capable of such acts against fellow human beings. Remember that what one extremist does is very often exploited by other extremists. Our task is to show another way."
11 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. Sweden's support to the Horn of Africa now amounts to SEK 407 million. Photo: Stuart Price/UN
Sweden's support to the Horn of Africa
The worst drought in 60 years, compounded by ongoing conflicts, has resulted in an imminent famine and continued refugee flows. Sweden has contributed a total of SEK 407 million in humanitarian aid to the Horn of Africa and is prepared to contribute additional funds to help affected people in the region.
EU-wide Stress Test 2011
Resolute action to address investor perceptions of sustained weakness in the EU banking sector is an important part of the comprehensive response to the crisis, as endorsed by the European Council. In this context, the objective of the EU-wide stress test carried out across 91 banks for the period 2011-2012 is to assess the resilience of the EU banking system to adverse shocks.
The Government adopts a new strategy for aid initiatives in Zimbabwe and Kenya
The Government has today taken a decision on a strategy for aid initiatives in Zimbabwe for the years 2011-2012.
"Swedish involvement in the country is based on supporting democratic reform and contributing to enable free and fair elections in Zimbabwe," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
The Government today also decided to increase development assistance to Kenya in an effort to strengthen the momentum in the country for democratic and economic development.
Carl Bildt on promoting freedom on the Internet for all
Interview with Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt on promoting freedom on the Internet for all. New communication technology - especially the Internet and mobile telephony - has broadened freedom of expression and information for millions of people (more than 400 million Internet users in China alone) and made it possible to search for information and communicate with the rest of the world in completely new ways.
SEK 30 million to Horn of Africa and Sudan
"In view of the worsening humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa and in Sudan, Sweden is now allocating additional humanitarian support to the region to help people in distress," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.
Ministry for Foreign Affairs releases reports on human rights in 188 countries
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs (MFA) has once again examined the human rights situation worldwide. The 188 reports for 2010 were published 7 July on the Government's human rights website.
Sweden to contribute SEK 7.4 billion to the Millennium Development Goals
Thursday 7 July the Government decided to contribute approximately SEK 7.4 billion over a three-year period to the poorest countries through the International Development Association (IDA). IDA is the part of the World Bank that helps the world's poorest countries.
