WFP receives EUR 4 million to support refugees and asylum seekers in Rwanda

By The Inspirer.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed gratitude for significant financial contributions from Austria and Germany, amounting to EUR 4 million (EUR 2 million from each country).

These funds will be instrumental in providing essential food and nutrition assistance to refugees and asylum seekers in camps and transit centers throughout Rwanda. The contributions were secured in December 2023.

Mr. Andrea Bagnoli, the WFP Representative and Country Director, conveyed appreciation for the generosity of the people and governments of Austria and Germany. He emphasized that these contributions were crucial in preventing the interruption of critical assistance to refugees and asylum seekers, addressing an acute lack of funding that could have impacted support at the end of 2023.

The financial support from Austria’s Development Agency and the German Federal Foreign Office will specifically enable WFP to continue its life-saving food assistance to approximately 118,000 Congolese and Burundian refugees, as well as 14,000 asylum seekers who are dependent on humanitarian aid.

WFP utilizes cash transfers to empower camp-based refugees, allowing them to address their essential needs by purchasing goods of their choice from local markets. This approach also contributes to boosting the local economy.

The funds will be allocated based on a prioritization scheme, considering the refugees’ vulnerability levels. Special consideration is given to pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, children under two years of age, and individuals with HIV/AIDS or Tuberculosis, who receive highly nutritious food to prevent and treat malnutrition.

Despite the valuable contributions from Austria and Germany, WFP highlights that additional funding of US$16 million is still required for the next six months (December 2023 – May 2024). This funding is crucial to fully restore rations to eligible refugees, as well as to support new asylum seekers and Rwandans returning home from neighboring countries.

The announcement underscores the ongoing challenges and funding gaps humanitarian organizations face in addressing displaced populations’ needs.

WFP remains committed to its mission as the world’s largest humanitarian organization, employing food assistance to save lives and build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for those recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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