Qatar Development Fund Commits Us$1 Million To WFP To Battle Food Crisis In South Sudan
DOHA – The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Qatar Development Fund and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding providing US$1 million to address the food crisis arising from the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan, which has led to the deterioration of the humanitarian and health situations, widespread population displacement and disruption of livelihoods since fighting erupted in December 2013.
The agreement was signed by Director General Khalifa Jassim Al-Kuwari of the Qatar Development Fund and Abdullah AlWardat, Director WFP UAE/GCC office.
"The State of Qatar is committed to providing relief for South Sudan given the difficult humanitarian and nutritional conditions in that country, resulting from population displacement and disruption of livelihoods for so many people,” said Director General Khalifa Jassim Al-Kuwari, speaking at the ceremony. “This is part of the State of Qatar's pledges made at the high-level international humanitarian conference on South Sudan, which was held in the Norwegian capital Oslo in May 2014."
South Sudan currently faces its worst levels of food insecurity since independence, because of a combination of conflict, high food prices and a worsening economic crisis. Some 4.6 million people – forty percent of the population – are estimated to be facing acute hunger.
“Qatar’s generosity will be absolutely vital in allowing WFP to bring lifesaving assistance to people in South Sudan who are in urgent need,” said Abdullah Alwardat of WFP. “WFP and our partners have faced enormous obstacles in reaching people in South Sudan, but we can and will continue overcoming those barriers with the support of the people and government of Qatar through the Qatar Development Fund.”
WFP aims to assist at least 3 million people in South Sudan this year, using every means at its disposal, including airdrops, river boats, and distributions of food, cash or vouchers. A peace deal signed in August has brought new hope, but even if the fighting subsides, many people in the conflict-affected states have been repeatedly displaced and have already missed the annual planting season this year; they will continue to need humanitarian support until the 2016 harvest.
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About Qatar Development Fund:
Qatar Development Fund (QDF( is a Qatari public organization established and organised pursuant to Law Number 19 of 2002 as amended and established under the laws of the State of Qatar.
QDF was envisioned and articulated as an independent body to coordinate and implement foreign assistance on behalf of the State of Qatar. As such, QDF will serve as the “face” and brand of Qatar’s foreign assistance efforts.
QDF, through representing the State of Qatar, aims at helping Arab countries and other developing countries to develop their economies and implement development programs by providing loans, grants and technical assistance for the economic and social development of these countries.
In addition, QDF aims at contributing to the capital of development finance institutions and other international and foreign development institutions that aim at helping developing countries in the development of their economies.
Tele no.: +974 4011 1111, Fax no. +974 4011 2331, P.o.Box no.: 23366, Doha-Qatar
About the World Food Program (WFP):
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 75 countries.
Follow WFP on Twitter @wfp_media @wfp_africa
