The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received a contribution of $800,000 from the government of the Republic of Korea to support operations in Myanmar and Bangladesh.
In Myanmar, the Republic of Korea funds will help WFP respond to the needs of communities in conflict-affected Rakhine state, where WFP currently supports 3,20,000 people, including many Rohingyas, with monthly life-saving food assistance, a press release said.
The impact of pre-existing poverty, Covid-19 and the ongoing political crisis is now pushing 3.4 million additional people throughout Myanmar, and particularly the urban poor, into food insecurity.
Furthermore, more than 200,000 people have been displaced from their homes due to armed clashes and violence in various parts of the country since February.
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In Bangladesh, the Korean contribution will help WFP sustain its humanitarian assistance for over 860,000 Rohingya refugees living at the Cox’s Bazar camps.
About 96% of Rohingyas are entirely reliant on external assistance. With the support of WFP, all Rohingya families now have access to electronic vouchers that they can redeem for fresh and staple foods at retail outlets supplied by local businesses and farmers.
“We are grateful for the continued and timely support from the Republic of Korea to help us meet urgent needs in both Myanmar and Bangladesh,” said John Aylieff, WFP regional director for Asia and the Pacific.
“Last year, we reached a record 14 million people throughout the region, and this year, multiple shocks, such as the surge of Covid-19 cases and political instability, mean our support is even more critical. We thank the Korean people for standing with WFP and the people of Asia and the Pacific,” he added.
