U.S. Embassy Press Release, March 27, 2002
Latest U.S. Grant Continues Support for Maluku Peace
As Muslims and Christians in Maluku come together to end the conflict that has
divided them for more than three years, the United States Government has announced
that it will issue a new grant of US$850,000 to support local efforts to improve the
living conditions of conflict-affected families in Maluku.
This grant will provide shelter materials for displaced and returning families,
assistance for improving water and sanitation facilities, and small grants to purchase
farming tools, seeds, and fishing equipment to help displaced and returning people
establish a livelihood.
"Since the sectarian conflict began in Maluku and North Maluku in 1999, the U. S.
has provided about $8.5 million to support peace building and humanitarian
assistance efforts of Christian, Muslim and interdenominational organizations working
in Maluku," said U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, Ralph L. Boyce.
The U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide the grant to
Mercy Corps, an international humanitarian organization that has worked in Maluku
since April 2000. The funding will expand and continue the Quick Impact Grants
Program, which provides support to local Muslim and ChristHian non-governmental
organizations working to assist families in Maluku Province who have been displaced
by violence and those who wish to return to their homes.
A recent assessment of internally displaced persons in Maluku found that many
families would like to return to their homes but face significant obstacles to doing so.
Many potential returnees face damaged or destroyed houses, don't have access to
clean water or sanitation facilities, have lost their means of livelihood, and lack
educational opportunities where schools have been damaged or destroyed.
Through local partners, USAID and Mercy Corps are helping reduce some of these
obstacles to allow people to return to their homes and supporting families and
communities in their efforts to rebuild.
In the past year, through Mercy Corps, approximately 150 assistance projects have
been carried out by local organizations, benefiting over 150,000 individuals and
strengthening local organizations. USAID has also supported the expansion of
"neeutral space" where Muslims and Christians can come together safely and
peacefully, including the establishment of the NGO Community Center in Ambon City,
and support to the Maluku Provincial Library. Other activities have supported
humanitarian relief for displaced persons, training for community leaders on peace
building, support for independent media in Maluku province, materials for rebuilding
schools and homes, and clean-up campaigns in Ambon City.
USAID is the U. S. Government agency responsible for worldwide humanitarian and
development assistance. For more information, please contact Angela McArdle of
USAID at 021-3435-9384 or by email at amcardle@usaid.gov.
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