Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
269. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether her Department has raised concerns with the European Commission regarding proposed cuts of EU humanitarian funding to Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf, Algeria; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10285/26]
View answerThe Government is actively engaged within the EU in relation to its development cooperation and humanitarian assistance policies and practice. The EU and its Member States are now the largest provider of humanitarian funding globally. Ireland continues to advocate for high levels of EU humanitarian assistance that is principled and needs-based. Our strong focus on forgotten and underfunded crises will continue during Ireland's EU Presidency.
The EU humanitarian programme has been a long-standing humanitarian partner for the Sahrawi refugee crisis, and has provided €305 million in assistance since 1993. In 2026, the EU will provide €6 million for the crisis. In addition to this, the EU expects to increase regional funding for disaster preparedness work and humanitarian programming with targeted, innovative regional initiatives to address the continuing humanitarian challenges, including for the Sahrawi refugee crisis.
In recent years, Ireland has not provided direct funding to Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. However, we provide very significant core, unearmarked funding to United Nations humanitarian agencies operating in the camps including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Food Programme (WFP). WFP has provided uninterrupted assistance to the camps for over 30 years to address persistently high levels of food insecurity. This core funding gives the agencies the flexibility to plan and target funding in the most strategic, efficient and effective manner. The EU also provides significant funding to these two critical UN agencies.
Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remains in contact with relevant parties in support of efforts to achieve a solution to this long-standing dispute.
