BRUSSELS (AFP) -– The European Commission on Friday announced 20 million euros (27 million dollars) in fresh humanitarian aid for displaced and “vulnerable” Iraqis.

The new funding is “to address the urgent humanitarian needs of refugees, internally displaced people and other vulnerable populations affected by the crisis in Iraq, and to support coordination of the humanitarian response,” the EU's executive arm said in a statement.
“Despite positive developments in Iraq, the situation there is still in a fragile transition stage. Around 1.6 million Iraqis remain displaced inside the country, and hundreds of thousands are living in difficult conditions in neighboring countries despite generous hospitality,” said EU Humanitarian Aid Commissioner Louis Michel.
“This new funding will respond to sustained humanitarian needs and will once again reaffirm our continued solidarity with the Iraqi people,” he added.
The funding will help provide food, water and sanitation, basic healthcare, “psychosocial support” and help for people on the move or returning home.
Since 2007 the European Commission has provided 47.8 million euros to support internally displaced people in Iraq, as well as Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan.
The funds are channeled to projects implemented by specialized UN agencies, and the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement.