WFP concludes aid in Syria, affecting over 12m people

On December 4th, the UN World Food Program declared that it would conclude its primary aid initiative throughout Syria, starting January 2024 expected to affect more than 12 million Syrians who currently lack access to food, according to AP.

In recent years, the WFP has reduced its assistance in Syria and the surrounding nations sheltering millions of refugees from the 13-year-long conflict. Humanitarian organizations have found it challenging to refocus global attention on Syria due to donor fatigue and diminishing budgets.

WFP decided to cut assistance in July to over 5.5 million people in Syria, who are facing urgent humanitarian needs. Additionally, they initiated a reduction in cash assistance to Syrian refugees in both Lebanon and Jordan.

READ: Refugees in Lebanon facing UN aid cuts

The WFP issued a statement, declaring its decision to sever ties due to the impending food insecurity that will impact millions.

However, it will retain smaller aid programs, including a school meals initiative, as well as efforts to rehabilitate Syria’s irrigation systems and bakeries. Despite reduced fighting in Syria, the economic outlook remains bleak across government-held areas, the northwestern enclave, and the northeast. 

The shrinking budgets for Syria’s aid have been attributed to global donor fatigue, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, the Hamas-Israel war has intensified needs in the besieged Gaza Strip.

AP