Venezuela, Haiti, Mali, Afghanistan, and Tindouf to receive decentralized cooperation in 2026

The Diplomat Venezuela, Haiti, Mali, Afghanistan, and the Sahrawi refugee population in Tindouf, Algeria, will receive a large portion of the 2026 funds allocated under the Decentralized Cooperation Agreement between autonomous communities, municipalities, and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID). The agreement, in effect since 2023, is signed by AECID itself, fourteen autonomous communities (Galicia, Andalusia, Asturias, Cantabria, La Rioja, Murcia, Valencia, Aragon, Castilla-La Mancha, the Canary Islands, Extremadura, the Balearic Islands, Madrid, and Castilla y León), and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP). Since its implementation, this model has allowed for the allocation of approximately €21 million to people affected by protracted crises and emergencies in various parts of the world. Each intervention in this exercise will receive a contribution of €400,000. In addition, a contingency fund has been set aside to respond to any new emergencies that may arise throughout the year. Tindouf According to a press release from the AECID, Spain will continue to support food aid for Sahrawi refugees in the Tindouf camps in the Algerian desert, whose population depends on international aid to meet their basic needs. The food situation has deteriorated in recent years due to rising prices and a lack of international funding. Currently, one in three children suffers from stunted growth, and anemia affects a significant portion of the population, particularly women and children. The Spanish contribution will help guarantee basic food supplies for more than 133,000 refugees. Venezuela Furthermore, in the Venezuelan state of Delta Amacuro, many indigenous Warao children are unable to attend school due to geographic isolation and a lack of basic services. With Spain's support, nearly 950 children from these communities will be able to reintegrate into the education system. Furthermore, schools will be strengthened as spaces that are not only safe but also adapted to their culture, fostering child development in one of the most vulnerable areas. Haiti Haiti is experiencing a severe crisis marked by violence, political instability, and the deterioration of basic services. Currently, it is estimated that more than six million people are in urgent need of assistance. Spain's coordinated response will allow for assistance to be provided to the most vulnerable, supporting actions addressing basic needs such as food, health, protection, and assistance, seeking to ensure a positive impact on the lives of all those affected. Mali Mali continues to face a prolonged critical situation due to the country's socio-political context, which has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. Spanish support will help the displaced population in host communities generate income and rebuild their livelihoods. In such a difficult situation, the aim is to foster a minimum of stability and social cohesion so that those who have been forcibly displaced can have some continuity and dignity in their daily lives. Women and girls in Afghanistan In Afghanistan, millions of women and girls have their fundamental rights and access to essential services restricted. The Spanish contribution will help guarantee maternal healthcare, assistance during childbirth, and protection services against gender-based violence suffered by approximately 5.8 million women, including girls and adolescents.

Related Content

St. Patrick’s Day celebration begins in Madrid

Albares sends official Spanish translation of Gibraltar treaty to stakeholders

Spain “strongly” condemns Iranian attacks against French and Italian troops in Iraq

The Irish ambassador highlights competitiveness as one of the priorities of the future EU Presidency

Social Security surpasses three million foreign affiliates, now representing 14.2% of the national total