Description of project

In 1987, AECI started its intervention in the Saharawi refugee camps. Since the early days, AECI’s aid strategy has focused on food security and overall humanitarian assistance to the affected population. In the AECI’s year plan 2005-08, Spanish ODA will mostly be geared towards improving basic needs coverage with regards to food, health, and education. In addition, AECI will concentrate on promoting planning, coordination, and harmonisation between multilateral and bilateral donors in order to improve service delivery as well as institutional strengthening.

In this context, DARA participated in the Spanish delegation taking part of a joint UNHCR/WFP mission to assess food security and health issues affecting the refugee population in the Western Sahara camps. The visit included field visits and interviews in Brussels with the staff working at the EC Humanitarian Affairs Office (ECHO)

DARA analysed the current situation in the Camps and offered strategic advice to AECI and ECHO’s humanitarian programmes in the region.