Funding from the Isle of Man is continuing to support charities providing life-saving assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers has allocated ?20,000 of emergency aid to UNICEF UK to protect children in the aftermath of Typhoon Koppu in the Philippines.

A further ?30,000 will support Human Appeal International’s delivery of front-line relief for Syrian refugees in the Greek island of Lesvos.

UNICEF UK is responding to the crisis in the Philippines where 1.4 million people continue to be affected as a result of the 12th tropical cyclone to hit the country in the past 12 months. There are currently 424 evacuation centres hosting 24,000 families, with a further 96,500 families displaced as a result of the widespread destruction.

Hospitals, clinics, early learning centres and schools have all been disrupted, while the impact on safe drinking water and sanitation has increased the risk of disease. Funding from the International Development Committee will help UNICEF UK to provide essential supplies to those most in need.

The Committee is also continuing its support in response to Europe’s largest refugee crisis in modern times.

A donation of ?30,000 will help Human Appeal International’s work in Lesvos, an island off the coast of Turkey that has become the main access point for Syrian refugees entering Europe. This will build on the emergency aid provided by the Isle of Man since the conflict began in Syria.

Phil Gawne MHK, Chair of the International Development Committee, said: ‘These charities urgently need funding to deliver vital food, shelter and medical supplies in countries devastated by conflict and natural disasters. The support from the Isle of Man will add to donations from other nations to improve the lives of thousands of vulnerable people.’