[House Report 107-265]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
107th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
1st Session 107-265
======================================================================
INTERNATIONAL DISABILITY AND VICTIMS OF LANDMINES, CIVIL STRIFE AND
WARFARE ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2001
_______
November 5, 2001.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Hyde, from the Committee on International Relations, submitted the
following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 3169]
The Committee on International Relations, to whom was
referred the bill (H.R. 3169) to authorize assistance for
individuals with disabilities in foreign countries, including
victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife and
warfare, and for other purposes, having considered the same,
reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that
the bill as amended do pass.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
The Amendment.................................................... 2
Background and Purpose for the Legislation....................... 4
Committee Consideration.......................................... 7
Votes of the Committee........................................... 7
Committee Oversight Findings..................................... 7
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures........................ 7
Committee Cost Estimate.......................................... 7
Performance Goals and Objectives................................. 7
Constitutional Authority Statement............................... 7
Section-by-Section Analysis...................................... 7
Agency Views..................................................... 10
New Advisory Committees.......................................... 10
Congressional Accountability Act................................. 10
Federal Mandates................................................. 10
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported............ 10
The Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``International Disability and Victims
of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare Assistance Act of 2001''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS AND PURPOSE.
(a) Findings.--Congress makes the following findings:
(1) According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
between 7 percent and 10 percent of the world's population, or
almost 500,000,000 people, live with disabilities. About 80
percent of these individuals live in developing countries,
where only 1 percent to 2 percent have access to the necessary
rehabilitation services, and many face numerous physical and
social barriers that inhibit their full participation in their
communities.
(2) Factors contributing to the number of individuals with
disabilities include war and other forms of violence,
inadequate medical care, and natural and other disasters.
(3)(A) According to the International Committee of the Red
Cross, there are tens of millions of landmines in over 60
countries around the world, and it has estimated that as many
as 24,000 people are maimed or killed each year by landmines,
mostly civilians, resulting in amputations and disabilities of
various kinds.
(B) While the United States Government invests more than
$100,000,000 in mine action programs annually, including
funding for mine awareness and demining training programs, only
about ten percent of these funds go to directly aid landmine
victims.
(C) The Patrick Leahy War Victims Fund, administered by the
United States Agency for International Development, has
provided essential prosthetics and rehabilitation for landmine
and other war victims in developing countries who are disabled
and has provided long-term sustainable improvements in quality
of life for victims of civil strife and warfare, addressing
such issues as barrier-free accessibility, reduction of social
stigmatization, and increasing economic opportunities.
(D) Enhanced coordination is needed among Federal agencies
that carry out assistance programs in foreign countries for
victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife and
warfare to make better use of interagency expertise and
resources.
(4) According to a review of Poverty and Disability
commissioned by the World Bank, ``disabled people have lower
education and income levels than the rest of the population.
They are more likely to have incomes below poverty level than
the non-disabled population, and they are less likely to have
savings and other assets . . . [t]he links between poverty and
disability go two ways--not only does disability add to the
risk of poverty, but conditions of poverty add to the risk of
disability.''.
(5) Numerous international human rights conventions and
declarations recognize the need to protect the rights of
individuals regardless of their status, including those
individuals with disabilities, through the principles of
equality and non-discrimination.
(b) Purpose.--The purpose of this Act is to authorize assistance
for individuals with disabilities, including victims of landmines and
other victims of civil strife and warfare.
SEC. 3. INTERNATIONAL DISABILITIES AND WAR VICTIMS ASSISTANCE.
The Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2151 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after section 134 the following:
``SEC. 135. INTERNATIONAL DISABILITIES AND WAR VICTIMS ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Authorization.--The President, acting through the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, is authorized to furnish assistance to individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign
countries.
``(b) Activities.--The programs established pursuant to subsection
(a) may include activities such as the following:
``(1) Development of local capacity to provide medical and
rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities,
including victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign
countries, such as--
``(A) support for and training of medical
professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and physical
therapists, to provide effective emergency and other
medical care and for the development of training
manuals relating to first aid and other medical
treatment;
``(B) support for sustainable prosthetic and
orthotic services; and
``(C) psychological and social rehabilitation of
such individuals, together with their families as
appropriate, for the reintegration of such individuals
into local communities.
``(2) Support for policy reform and advocacy efforts
related to the needs and abilities of individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare.
``(3) Coordination of programs established pursuant to
subsection (a) with existing programs for individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare.
``(4) Support for establishment of appropriate entities in
foreign countries to coordinate programs, projects, and
activities related to assistance for individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare.
``(5) Support for primary, secondary, and vocational
education, public awareness and training programs and other
activities that help prevent war-related injuries and assist
individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil
strife and warfare, with their reintegration into society and
their ability to make sustained social and economic
contributions to society.
``(c) Priority.--To the maximum extent feasible, assistance under
this section shall be provided through nongovernmental organizations,
and, as appropriate, through governments to establish appropriate
norms, standards, and policies related to rehabilitation and issues
affecting individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil
strife and warfare.
``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for each of the
fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Amounts appropriated pursuant to the
authorization of appropriations under the preceding sentence are
authorized to be provided notwithstanding any other provision of
law.''.
SEC. 4. RESEARCH, PREVENTION, AND ASSISTANCE RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL
DISABILITIES AND LANDMINE AND OTHER WAR VICTIMS.
(a) Authorization.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary of Health and Human
Services, acting through the Director of the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, is authorized--
(A) to conduct programs in foreign countries
related to individuals with disabilities, including
victims of landmines and other victims of civil strife
and warfare; and
(B) to provide grants to nongovernmental
organizations for the purpose of carrying out research,
prevention, public awareness and assistance programs in
foreign countries related to individuals with
disabilities, including victims of landmines and other
victims of civil strife and warfare.
(2) Approval of secretary of state.--Activities under
programs established pursuant to paragraph (1) may be carried
out in foreign countries only after consultation with the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, and upon approval for such activities in such
countries by the Secretary of State.
(b) Activities.--Programs established pursuant to subsection (a)
may include the following activities:
(1) Research on trauma, physical, psychological, and social
rehabilitation, and continuing medical care related to
individuals with disabilities, including victims of landmines
and other victims of civil strife and warfare, including--
(A) conducting research on psychological and social
factors that lead to successful recovery;
(B) developing, testing, and evaluating model
interventions that reduce post-traumatic stress and
promote health and well-being;
(C) developing basic instruction tools for initial
medical response to traumatic injuries; and
(D) developing basic instruction manuals for
patients and healthcare providers, including for
emergency and follow-up care, proper amputation
procedures, and reconstructive surgery.
(2) Facilitation of peer support networks for individuals
with disabilities, including victims of landmines and other
victims of civil strife and warfare, in foreign countries,
including--
(A) establishment of organizations at the local
level, administered by such individuals, to assess and
address the physical, psychological, economic and
social rehabilitation and other needs of such
individuals, together with their families as
appropriate, for the purpose of economic and social
reintegration into local communities; and
(B) training related to the implementation of such
peer support networks, including training of outreach
workers to assist in the establishment of organizations
such as those described in subparagraph (A) and
assistance to facilitate the use of the networks by
such individuals.
(3) Sharing of expertise from limb-loss and disability
research centers in the United States with similar centers and
facilities in war-affected countries, including promoting
increased health for individuals with limb loss and limb
deficiency and epidemiological research on secondary medical
conditions related to limb loss and limb deficiency.
(4) Developing a database of best practices to address the
needs of the war-related disabled through comprehensive
examination of support activities related to such disability
and access to medical care and supplies.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out
this section such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years
2002 through 2004.
SEC. 5. EXPERTISE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs is authorized--
(1) to provide advice and expertise on prosthetics,
orthotics, physical and psychological rehabilitation and
treatment, and disability assistance to other Federal
departments and agencies, including providing for temporary
assignment on a non-reimbursable basis of appropriate
Department of Veterans Affairs personnel, with respect to the
implementation of programs to provide assistance to victims of
landmines and other victims of civil strife and warfare in
foreign countries and landmine research and health-related
programs, including programs established pursuant to section
135 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (as added by section
3 of this Act) and programs established pursuant to section 4
of this Act; and
(2) to provide technical assistance to private voluntary
organizations on a reimbursable basis with respect to the
planning, development, operation, and evaluation of such
landmine assistance, research, and prevention programs.
SEC. 6. INTERAGENCY GROUP.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary of State shall establish and
chair an interagency group to ensure coordination of all Federal
programs that furnish assistance to victims of landmines and other
victims of civil strife and warfare, and conduct landmine research,
demining and prevention programs.
(b) Other Members.--Members of the interagency group shall include,
but not be limited to, representatives from--
(1) the United States Agency for International Development;
(2) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(3) the Department of Education;
(4) the Department of Defense; and
(5) the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(c) Public meetings.--At least once each calendar year, the
interagency group should hold a public meeting in order to afford an
opportunity for any person to present views regarding the activities of
the United States Government with respect to assistance to victims of
landmines and other victims of civil strife and warfare and related
programs. The Secretary of State shall maintain a record of each
meeting and shall make the record available to the public.
Background and Purpose for the Legislation
H.R. 3167, the International Disabilities and Victims of
Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare, addresses an issue which
transcends politics: the suffering of individuals with
disabilities and the innocent victims of landmines, civil
strife and warfare--men, women and children who often lead
shattered lives. The World Health Organization estimates that
between 7% and 10% of the world's population--nearly 500
million people--live with disabilities. Yet only 1% to 2% have
any access to the necessary rehabilitation services. Most
disabled people live in developing countries, often in poverty.
In certain developing countries nearly 20 per cent of the
general population is in some way disabled; if the impact on
their families is taken into account, as much as 50 per cent of
the population is impacted by disabilities. The overwhelming
majority live in isolated rural areas. Almost that many live in
areas where the services needed to help them are unavailable.
Too often their lives are handicapped by physical and social
barriers in societies which hamper their full participation.
Because of this, in many parts of the world, the disabled live
in isolation and insecurity.
The U.S. provides some assistance for rehabilitation and
societal reintegration of individuals suffering from
disabilities and for landmine victims, but there is a
tremendous potential for focusing additional U.S. effort and
expertise from all relevant parts of the U.S. Government on
this massive problem. Beginning in fiscal year 2001, for
example, the Department of Health and Human Services
established a pilot program housed in the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) to provide assistance to landmine and other
victims of civil strife and warfare. However, establishing new
programs in this area is very difficult--individuals suffering
from disabilities and landmine victims in particular face a
wide range of both physical and psychosocial trauma which is
difficult to treat effectively. The Committee believes that one
of the primary benefits of this legislation is to ensure that
the CDC and other agencies who may become involved in these
efforts consult and coordinate with the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID) which has 12 years of
experience working in this field.
Landmines
In particular, the Committee is concerned with injuries
that result from landmines, other unexploded ordnance, and
other wartime activities. Landmines alone are significant cause
of injuries and deaths. According to some reports, 1,200 people
are maimed by landmines each month, with nearly one-third
estimated to be children. A child injured at the age of 10 may
need more than 25 artificial limbs in his or her lifetime. The
scope of this problem requires a continued U.S. commitment to
addressing these victims, not only as a humanitarian matter but
also as an important development issue.
An often-difficult life in the developing world is
instantly made nearly impossible, for example, when a landmine
indiscriminately transforms a productive member of a village,
an irreplaceable provider for a family, a child hoping for a
better life, or a young woman looking forward to marriage and
children, into a disabled, demoralized person who is often
shunned as a liability by his or her society. Persons with
disabilities--either from birth, accidents, civil strife or
other means--are marginalized, often without any hope of
leading useful and productive lives. Victims assistance means
not only physical and psychological assistance to individuals
with international disabilities and their families, but also
trying to create new policy frameworks so that foreign
societies can accommodate such victims more broadly and
decrease the stigma often attached to such conditions.
The worst landmine-affected countries include:
LAngola--An estimated 1 in every 415 Angolans
has a landmine-related injury. There are an estimated
120 new landmine victims per month.
LAfghanistan--There may be as many as 10
million landmines left in Afghanistan, laid by the
Soviets during their occupation and by all the warring
parties since that conflict. One adult male in 10 has
been involved in a landmine incident.
LCambodia--In 1998, it has been reported that
there are 28,000 amputees, with 95% landmine victims.
While the overall number of civilian landmine
casualties is dropping, the percentage of incidents
involving children is increasing, from 16% in 1998 to
30% in the first 5 months of 2000.
LVietnam--There are an estimated 180 landmine
casualties per month. 14% of landmine victims were not
born when the war ended Four to 7 percent of the
population are reportedly disabled; of this group a
third have war-related injuries.
Landmines are particularly devastating to children. It has
been estimated that between 8,000-10,000 children, about a
third of all landmine casualties, are killed or maimed by
landmines each year. Because their bodies are smaller and
closer to the ground children are more likely to die from
landmines, or to suffer more serious injury in a landmine
blast. Physical rehabilitation programs and services are
critical to ensure the availability of devices that are safe,
durable and can be maintained and repaired locally. As an
amputee's first artificial limb is transitional and may not fit
properly or may need eventual repair and replacement, the
availability of long-term services must be ensured. In
addition, attention must be given to resources and training for
treatment of landmine injuries other than limb loss, such as
loss of eyesight, deafness and paralysis. To return to being
fully participating members of society, landmine survivors
require ongoing and complementary types of assistance,
including: Emergency medical care; Amputation Surgery; Physical
Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices; Social and economic
reintegration into mainstream society; and Psychological
support and counseling.
Existing Mine Action Programs
The Committee in no way intends for funds for assistance
programs for foreign persons with disabilities and victims of
landmines and civil strife and warfare to come at the expense
of U.S. programs to remove existing mines in various foreign
countries. Extraction of leftover landmines and unexploded
ordnance is a crucial aspect of victims assistance; through
prophylaxis, lifelong injuries can be prevented. However,
efforts at prevention is not enough. Assistance to persons
already injured by landmines and unexploded ordnance is
critical and cannot be disregarded to focus solely on demining.
Assistance programs for the disabled and victims of landmines
and civil strife, and appropriations for these same programs,
must be increased, independently from continuing U.S. demining
programs.
Nor does the Committee intend or expect that any increase
in appropriations and new assistance programs to come at the
expense of the Patrick Leahy War Victims Fund. Since 1989, this
program has been the primary means to provide U.S.
rehabilitative assistance to victims of landmines, war and
civil strife, and the Committee expects that funds appropriated
for victims of civil strife and warfare, including landmine
victims, would continue to be channeled through this program.
Committee Consideration
On November 1, 2001, the Committee met in open session and
ordered favorably reported the bill H.R. 3169 with an amendment
by voice vote, a quorum being present.
Votes of the Committee
There were no recorded votes on this bill.
Committee Oversight Findings
In compliance with clause 3(c)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee reports that the
findings and recommendations of the Committee, based on
oversight activities under clause 2(b)(1) of rule X of the
Rules of the House of Representatives, are incorporated in the
descriptive portions of this report.
New Budget Authority and Tax Expenditures
Clause 3(c)(2) of House Rule XIII is inapplicable because
this legislation does not provide new budgetary authority or
increased tax expenditures.
Committee Cost Estimate
In compliance with clause 3(d)(2) of rule XIII of the Rules
of the House of Representatives, the Committee believes that
the bill will have a $12 million cost for the current fiscal
year 2002, and a $15 million cost in fiscal year 2003.
Performance Goals and Objectives
The performance and objectives of this bill are set forth
in the Government Performance and Results Act Plan submitted by
the Agency for International Development.
Constitutional Authority Statement
Pursuant to clause 3(d)(1) of rule XIII of the Rules of the
House of Representatives, the Committee finds the authority for
this legislation in article I, section 8, clause 18 of the
Constitution.
Section-by-Section Analysis and Discussion
Section 1: Short Title.
Provides the title for the Act as the ``International
Disability and Victims of Landmines, Civil Strife and Warfare
Assistance Act of 2001.''
Section 2: Findings and Purpose.
Provides various findings and outlines the purposes of the
bill.
Section 3: International Disabilities and War Victims Assistance.
Section 3 amends the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) of 1961
to provide permanent authority for international disability
programs. Section 135(a) authorizes the President, acting
through the Administrator of USAID, to furnish assistance to
individuals with disabilities, including victims of civil
strife and warfare. For the purposes of this new section,
``victims of civil strife and warfare'' includes landmine
victims, as well as victims of unexploded ordnance, individuals
suffering from other war-related injuries, and persons who
might have suffered similar injuries during times of civil
unrest.
Section 135(b) describes the kinds of activities that may
be conducted under the authority of this new section. Such
activities include building local capacity regarding medical
training, prosthetic and orthotic services, psychological and
social rehabilitation and reintegration into society, and
education and training related to public awareness and advocacy
programs. The Committee believes that education, public
awareness and other programs that help prevent war-related
injuries is a very important area, because one of the best ways
to deal with landmine or other war-related injuries is to
prevent them in the first instance. Nothing in the Act is
intended to lessen the priority that USAID assigns to these
activities or to re-allocate funds from such activities and
transfer them to physical, psychological or other treatment
programs.
Subsection (c) of the new section 135 provides that, to the
maximum extent feasible, assistance should be provided through
nongovernmental organizations and, as appropriate, through
governments to establish appropriate norms, standards and
policies related to rehabilitation and issues affecting
individuals with disabilities. Currently, much of the
assistance related to victims of civil strife and warfare is
provided through nongovernmental organizations, and the
Committee believes that this practice and policy should
continue. However, there may be cases where assistance should
be provided through governments in order to establish
appropriate norms, standards and policies in this area. In the
final analysis, after consultation with nongovernmental
organizations, governments must ultimately devise and implement
such norms, standards and policies. Accordingly funds should,
in part, be provided through governments if such governments
have demonstrated an interest in this field and USAID believes
they can be effective in this area.
Section 135(d) authorizes to be appropriated $15 million in
each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003 to carry out the activities
discussed in this section. This section also provides that
amounts appropriated for development assistance and economic
support funds may be used to fund the activities described in
this section. This codifies current practice with respect to
these activities.
The Committee commends USAID for its efforts to address
landmine victim needs. Since the Leahy War Victims Fund was
established in 1989, programs funded by USAID have helped
thousands of landmine victims with their vital needs. The
Committee is particularly impressed with the programs that
develop local expertise and capacity in countries that have a
large landmine problem and victim population, such as Cambodia,
where local citizens are trained to build and fit prosthetics,
orthotics and other devices. The Committee encourages USAID and
CDC to continue in this vein where possible so that local
populations, including the victims themselves, can benefit from
these programs economically and can achieve self-sufficiency.
Section 4: Research, Prevention, and Assistance Related to
International Disabilities and Landmine and Other War Victims.
Section 4 provides a new freestanding authority to the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC) to conduct programs in
foreign countries related to individuals with disabilities,
including victims of landmines and other victims of civil
strife and warfare. Subsection (a) provides the general
authority for these programs, including providing
nongovernmental organizations grants to carry out this program.
Subsection (a)(2) provides that activities under programs
established pursuant to this section may be carried out in
foreign countries only after consultation with the
Administrator of USAID and upon approval for such activities by
the Secretary of State. This provision is intended to ensure
that the Secretary of State is aware and approves of the CDC's
programs abroad and that there is proper coordination between
USAID and CDC to prevent unnecessary duplication. In addition
the Committee believes that both USAID and CDC can benefit from
each other's experience in these fields by enhanced cooperation
and coordination.
Subsection (b) describes the kinds of activities that may
be conducted under the authority of this new section, including
development of instructional tools for surgeons and for first
aid response, model interventions that reduce post-traumatic
stress, and other research on landmine- and civil-strife
related research. It also provides for peer support networks
assistance, sharing of expertise from limb-loss and disability
research centers in the United States, and for the development
of a global database on medical and rehabilitation resources on
war-related injuries.
Section 5: Expertise of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Section 5 also authorizes the Secretary of Veteran Affairs
to provide relevant advice and expertise to other government
agencies on a non-reimbursable cost basis and technical
assistance to non-governmental organizations on a reimbursable
cost basis. The Committee applauds the work of the Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA) for its support and assistance to
thousands of American veterans who have been injured by
landmines and unexploded ordnance. The VA has unparalleled
experience in providing assistance to landmine victims, and the
Committee believes that other agencies that manage such
programs can benefit from the VA's expertise. It should be
noted, however, that this bill does not in any way intend, and
should not be construed to require, the diversion of the VA's
resources or detract from its primary mission of assisting
American veterans.
Section 6: Interagency Group.
Section 6 requires the establishment of an interagency
mechanism to provide better coordination of programs of
assistance to disabled and victims of landmines, warfare, and
civil strife. The Committee believes that such a coordinating
mechanism is essential. It is apparent that various agencies
that conduct landmine assistance programs are unaware of each
others' activities. Moreover, agencies beyond USAID and CDC are
involved in public awareness programs and should meet to
discuss and exchange views on their various approaches and
activities in the field.
The Committee wishes to be clear that an additional
interagency coordinating mechanism or group does not
necessarily have to be created to carry out this
responsibility. The addition of the responsibilities envisioned
by this Act to an existing interagency group, if the Secretary
of State so determines to be the most effective and efficient
way of implementing this provision, would in the judgment of
the Committee, satisfy the Act's requirements so long as the
membership of the group includes all the agencies described in
subsection (b).
Agency Views
The State Department appreciates the increased flexibility
provided by H.R. 3169 regarding appropriate forms of assistance
to victims of landmines in developing nations. The State
Department does not believe that the establishment of a new
interagency group to coordinate landmine victim assistance and
landmine awareness is necessary because an interagency group on
Mine Action already provides interagency coordination on these
subjects. Nevertheless, in general, the State Department has no
objection to H.R. 3169.
New Advisory Committees
H.R.3169 does not establish or authorize any new advisory
committees.
Congressional Accountability Act
H.R.3169 does not apply to the legislative branch.
Federal Mandages
H.R.3169 provides no Federal mandates.
Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (new matter is
printed in italics and existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
SECTION 135 OF THE FOREIGN ASSISTANCE ACT OF 1961
SEC. 135. INTERNATIONAL DISABILITIES AND WAR VICTIMS ASSISTANCE.
(a) Authorization.--The President, acting through the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, is authorized to furnish assistance to individuals
with disabilities, including victims of civil strife and
warfare, in foreign countries.
(b) Activities.--The programs established pursuant to
subsection (a) may include activities such as the following:
(1) Development of local capacity to provide
medical and rehabilitation services for individuals
with disabilities, including victims of civil strife
and warfare, in foreign countries, such as--
(A) support for and training of medical
professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and
physical therapists, to provide effective
emergency and other medical care and for the
development of training manuals relating to
first aid and other medical treatment;
(B) support for sustainable prosthetic and
orthotic services; and
(C) psychological and social rehabilitation
of such individuals, together with their
families as appropriate, for the reintegration
of such individuals into local communities.
(2) Support for policy reform and advocacy efforts
related to the needs and abilities of individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and
warfare.
(3) Coordination of programs established pursuant
to subsection (a) with existing programs for
individuals with disabilities, including victims of
civil strife and warfare.
(4) Support for establishment of appropriate
entities in foreign countries to coordinate programs,
projects, and activities related to assistance for
individuals with disabilities, including victims of
civil strife and warfare.
(5) Support for primary, secondary, and vocational
education, public awareness and training programs and
other activities that help prevent war-related injuries
and assist individuals with disabilities, including
victims of civil strife and warfare, with their
reintegration into society and their ability to make
sustained social and economic contributions to society.
(c) Priority.--To the maximum extent feasible, assistance
under this section shall be provided through nongovernmental
organizations, and, as appropriate, through governments to
establish appropriate norms, standards, and policies related to
rehabilitation and issues affecting individuals with
disabilities, including victims of civil strife and warfare.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized
to be appropriated to carry out this section $15,000,000 for
each of the fiscal years 2002 and 2003. Amounts appropriated
pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under the
preceding sentence are authorized to be provided
notwithstanding any other provision of law.