International development charity, Christian Aid, has called on the UK Government to take urgent action to halt a devastating global hunger crisis as a new World Food Programme report reveals more of the worlds most vulnerable are at risk of acute hunger and starvation.
The report warns “targeted humanitarian action is urgently needed to save lives and livelihoods in the 20 hotspots.” In four of these, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Yemen, humanitarian actions are “critical to preventing starvation and death.”
The WFP identifies conflict, the climate crisis, economic crisis, and lack of humanitarian access as key drivers of food insecurity. Last year, in response to the growing hunger crisis, Christian Aid launched an appeal to deliver life-saving food and support to people in need.
Fionna Smyth, Head of Global Advocacy and Policy at Christian Aid, said: “It is near impossible to imagine what it must be like to wake up each day in desperate need of food and clean water to survive. But this report shows this is the reality for more vulnerable people around the world each day. In some of the countries, Christian Aid works in, such as South Sudan and Afghanistan, the pandemic has crippled health systems and people’s ability to earn a living or grow food. Disproportionately so, it is women and children increasingly at risk”.
Just when the world’s most vulnerable need help the most, the UK Government has walked away from the world stage and its moral responsibility to help. UK aid cuts have meant vital funding from crucial lifesaving programs has been pulled.
With lives on the line, the UK Government must play a full part in funding the $7 billion package needed to prevent famine globally. UK Ministers must also issue clear guidance, in line with the UN Security Council ruling, for UK aid agencies and banks to ensure aid gets to those in need in Afghanistan.
