DILI, 9 April 2021 (TATOLI) – The Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Timor-Leste, Andrew Jacobs and Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, Dillyana Ximenes, handed over food and hygiene kits to the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion to support families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and by the recent flash floods in Dili.
Following a statement highlighted in the document from the EU,The support will reach 5,755 households, with a focus on women, children, and vulnerable groups and 500 people with disability.
During the lock-down period due to Covid-19, many families have faced significant difficulties. Their income has reduced and there is a lack of basic needs, especially foods.
Thousands of people were displaced, and houses and infrastructure were damaged and washed away. Dozens of lives and many are reported still missing. Women, children, vulnerable groups, and people with disabilities are particularly at risk during the emergency.
The Timorese authorities, donors, non-government organisations and community groups are working together to help families, particularly those in evacuation centres.
The Ambassador of the European Union Mr Andrew Jacobs offered his condolences and solidarity to the families affected from the Covid-19 pandemic and the victims of flash flooding, adding that ‘The European Union stands by the people of Timor-Leste at this time of suffering.
“We are pleased to make available support, in the form of food and hygiene kits, to those whose lives have been turned upside down by the recent disaster, which came on top of the hardships caused by COVID-19.” Mr Jacob said.
The Country Director of Plan International Timor-Leste, Dillyana Ximenes, highlighted that women, children particularly girls are the most vulnerable ones during the emergency. Plan International is working jointly with the government and partners to ensure that interventions during the emergency is inclusive.
“Plan International Timor-Leste will continue working with our partners, the European Union (EU), government and also survivors to provide their short and long term needs to respond immediate and specially children, youth and people with disability”Mrs Silva said.
Journalist: Eugénio Pereira
Editor: Francisco Simões
