Source: AUN News

To prevent the World Food Programme (WFP), UNHCR, and Ethiopian Government Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) from running out of food for the refugees by October, they requested help.

The agencies cautioned that the looming crisis would put at-risk families in danger of undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and increased susceptibility to illnesses.

Suppose we don’t get financing right away. In that case, three-quarters of a million refugees won’t have anything to eat in a couple of weeks, according to Claude Jibidar, the WFP’s representative and country director for Ethiopia.

Ration reductions

WFP has long struggled with the problem of cutting rations.

Refugee food handouts in Ethiopia were initially cut by 16% in November 2015, 40% in November 2021, and 50% in June 2022.Global restrictions on food supply, widespread economic shock, rising food and energy prices, the COVID-19 aftermath, and armed war have all increased the impact of these measures.

Result of cutting

WFP, UNHCR, and RRS assessed 1,215 camp households in pertinent regions in April to better understand how to ration reduction has affected refugees.

The findings indicate that most people dealt with their food insecurity by eating fewer meals each day, choosing less expensive items, or consuming smaller meal portions.A further finding of the joint study was that households are making last-ditch efforts to make up for funding reductions.

Financial ramifications

Funding reductions have made it necessary for refugees to rely on a food supply that is always running out, which raises the possibility of resource-based disputes.

According to data, many families have depended on additional money to buy food.Oto was compelled to borrow money and rely on friends or family for support.”We are genuinely concerned that if budget cuts persist, people may consider returning to their regions of origin when it is unsafe,” said Mr Jibidar. “We have a shortage of $73 million for refugees’ minimum needs.

Taking a step

The primary resources that must be deployed to address the immediate food needs should prioritise sustainable agriculture.

The UN Country Director stated, “The goal for us all must be to restore assistance to at least minimal levels for refugees, all dependent on WFnd food assistance for survival.”If donors were away, WFP could transfer cash to the refugees, giving them the option of how to meet their immediate requirements, purchasing food to fulfil the dietary needs of the refugees and boosting local markets.

Help is required

Through biometric verification, accountability measures, and programmes to provide monthly food and monetary support, the organisations have built an efficient system to determine the needs of refugees for food aid.

By intentions, the trio urged all partners to step up efforts to meet their urgent and long-term food demands.In the meantime, the WFP, UNHCR, and RRS will continue to rely on donors for ongoing financial support to carry out life-saving humanitarian initiatives.

Analysis by: Advocacy Unified Network