WFP to provide food assistance to seven million people by end of year

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) aims to provide food assistance to seven million people by the end of the year, most of whom are either internally displaced or taking refuge in neighbouring countries.

For over two years, the world has witnessed millions of Syrians fleeing their homes, escaping from violence in search of a safe haven and many families have been forced to move more than once, bringing only what they can carry.

In a statement by the WFP Executive Director, Ertharin Cousin issued on June 19,2013, ahead of the World Refugee Day June 20, he said, “Syrians are not alone in feeling the devastation of displacement, whether within their own country or across borders.”

“Every day, I work with colleagues who are on the ground in some of the most remote and dangerous places in the world.  They remind me, as we are all reminded that every woman, man and child who has left behind homes, family, jobs, education and lives in search of security and safety deserve our attention and, most importantly, our assistance,” he indicated.

He noted  that, Ecuador hosts the largest number of refugees in the Western hemisphere, and more pour in from Colombia every month but as an international community, we must continue to advocate on behalf of displaced people everywhere, adding that whether fleeing conflict, natural disaster or hunger, they must be at the front of our minds.”

By Dorcas Appiah