For Immediate Release
Press Release
BAGHDAD, July 16, 2024 – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a generous contribution of US$2.2 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) to support internally displaced Iraqis, as well as Syrian refugees, living in camps in northern Iraq.
The funds will allow WFP to provide food assistance for 41,000 people living in camps in northern Iraq, who have little to no sources of income and rely on WFP’s monthly assistance for their food needs.
A recent WFP survey at the Al Ja’ada camp for refugees and internally displaced people – known as Al Jada’a 1 – found that 60 percent of the center's residents have to resort to coping strategies that may compromise their long-term well-being.
“We must not forget that even now, in 2024, there are still those living in camps and unable to return to their homes for a myriad of reasons,” said WFP Deputy Country Director Ekram El-Huni. “Despite the great reductions in funding brought about by an unfortunate increase in humanitarian crises globally, WFP will continue to help those most vulnerable families.”
Across Iraq, WFP has made significant advances in transitioning from crisis response to development and resilience-building activities. This has enabled thousands of families returning to liberated areas to create and sustain livelihoods and improve their food security status.
USAID/Iraq’s Acting Mission Director, Ms. Erin Mone-Marquez emphasized: "We stand united in our commitment to internally displaced persons and refugees in camps. We strive to provide essential support for their well-being and security including food assistance and opportunities for new livelihoods. By fostering safe returns, we not only rebuild shattered lives but also pave the way for a more stable and harmonious Iraq."
Without the timely support of USAID and other donor partners like Austria, Canada, the EU, Japan, and multilateral donors, thousands of vulnerable families would be unable to cope with the severe lack of food.
USAID and WFP remain a key partner to the Government of Iraq and are currently implementing long-term sustainable development programmes. These interventions aim to address the root causes of food insecurity through practical, achievable and scalable solutions to the adverse effects of climate change and displacement.
ABOUT WFP
The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
ABOUT USAID
The United States Government, through USAID, is a steadfast partner of Iraq, helping enhance stability, economic prosperity and quality services for all citizens. USAID is working with the Iraqi Government, international institutions, and local partners to ensure the voluntary return and reintegration of displaced populations and the empowerment of women, youth, and religious and ethnic minorities.