Norway Steps Up To Support WFP Emergency Response For Syria Yemen And South Sudan

WFP is facing an unprecedented number of emergencies. In Syria, the conflict has displaced millions of people, making them dependent on humanitarian food assistance. However, critical funding shortages have forced WFP to halve the level of assistance to almost 1.3 million vulnerable Syrian refugees in the region. Yemen, on the brink of famine, is currently one of the most underfunded humanitarian crises in the world. And in South Sudan, which is facing the worst levels of food insecurity ever, WFP is struggling to reach 3 million people with lifesaving food assistance.

“We are grateful for this generous contribution from the Government of Norway. This funding comes at a critical time as we struggle to meet the urgent needs of millions of Syrians who have been displaced by the conflict,” said Muhannad Hadi, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

Out of the total contribution of NOK 130 million, NOK 85 million will help support WFP’s Syria response inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, in accordance with WFP priorities.

NOK 20 million will help support WFP’s assistance to internally displaced persons in Iraq, NOK 10 million will be allocated to WFP’s response in Yemen, including logistical capacity in Djibouti, and NOK 15 million will be directed to WFP’s operations in South Sudan.

As a long-standing partner of WFP, Norway has a strong tradition of generously responding to people in need. Norway is furthermore one of WFP’s leading multilateral donors, providing predictable and flexible funding that helps WFP meet the needs of over 80 million people each year.

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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 80 countries.

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For more information please contact:

Anne Poulsen, WFP/Copenhagen, Tel. +45 4050 3993

Frances Kennedy, WFP/Rome, Tel. +39 06 6513-3725