New York

11 April 2023

Note to Correspondents - on the Black Sea Grain Initiative

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

The Joint Coordination Centre (JCC) has not been able to conduct inspections today as the parties needed more time to reach an agreement on operational priorities. Following intensive discussions within the JCC, supported by the United Nations and Türkiye, routine inspections are planned to resume tomorrow, Wednesday, 12 April. We urge all involved to meet their responsibilities to ensure that vessels continue to move smoothly and safely in the interest of global food security.

As of today, there are 50 vessels waiting to move to the Ukrainian ports. The JCC has overseen and enabled the safe export of more than 27.5 million metric tonnes of food since the Initiative was signed, contributing to the lowering of food prices. This critical work is done against the backdrop of the ongoing war and active hostilities. We do not underestimate the challenges, but we know they can be overcome.

The UN team is working closely with all sides, taking into consideration all parties’ concerns.
The global humanitarian benefits of the Initiative are evident and are not limited to exports to specific low-income countries. It is in everyone’s interest to keep it going.

The FAO reported on the March food price index, which marked a further drop of 2.1 per cent. The index has fallen 20.5 percent in the last year. The renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in November and March has contributed to this fall. This translates to benefits for millions of vulnerable and low-income households around the world. Through this Initiative, an essential source of supplies for the World Food Programme has been restored, with over half a million metric tonnes of wheat having been transported since August, supporting ongoing humanitarian operations in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and Yemen.

It is critical that all sides ensure the integrity and full implementation of the Initiative.