The United Nations’ food agency has announced
that it is suspending its food programme serving
more than 1.7 million Syrian refugees because it
has run out of money.
The World Food Programme (WFP) said on
Monday that it “immediately needs” at
least $64m in December alone to support the
displaced Syrians now living in neighbouring
countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and
Turkey.
“A suspension of WFP food assistance will
endanger the health and safety of these refugees
and will potentially cause further tensions,
instability and insecurity in the neighbouring host
countries,” said WFP Executive Director Ertharin
Cousin, in an appeal to donors.
“The suspension of WFP food assistance will be
disastrous for many already suffering families.”
Since the war in Syria began in 2011, over three
million people have fled to neighbouring
countries.
Under the UN programme, the refugees use
vouchers to buy food in local shops. The UN
provides basics like flour, cooking oil and sugar.
But it also gives vital food vouchers to pregnant
and nursing mothers.
“Without WFP vouchers, many families will go
hungry. For refugees already struggling to
survive the harsh winter, the consequences of
halting this assistance will be devastating,” the
UN said.
Every month, the UN feeds over four million
people inside Syria, and over a million more now
temporarily sheltered in other countries.
Al Jazeera.
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