WFP/Japan News Release
20 November 2014
WFP THANKS JAPAN FOR SUPPORTING VULNERABLE PALESTINIANS WITH FOOD
RAMALLAH — The government of Japan today announced a new donation to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) of US$3.1 million (JPY 340 million) to assist the most vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza with food.
Japan's new support enables WFP to provide nutritious food to approximately 90,000 of the most vunerable Palestinians in Gaza for 3.5 months.
"This donation from Japan's government will help WFP meet the urgent food needs of people in Gaza. We especially appreciate this important contribution, because it demonstrates again Japan's trust in WFP's work and commitment to strengthening the food security of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Palestinians," said WFP Representative and Country Director Daniela Owen.
Thanks to Japan's steadfast support, WFP is able to pre-position contingency stocks in Palestine of canned food with a long shelf-life. During the Gaza conflict this summer, Japan's assistance was crucial for WFP to provide immediate emergency ready-to-eat food to displaced people seeking shelter from the violence.
The new Japanese donation was confirmed with the signing of an agreement at a ceremony in Ramallah, attended by Ambassador of Japan to the Palestinian Authority Junya Matsuura, Minister of Social Affairs Shawqi Al-Aissa, and WFP's Daniela Owen.
Ambassador Junya Matsuura said: "Japan believes the fight against hunger is winnable and we believe that WFP is playing a major role in breaking the cycle of hunger by promoting effective food systems".
"We highly appreciate the role of the Government of Japan in supporting the vulnerable and food insecure people through WFP's food assistance programmes. After several devastating conflicts, the people of the Gaza Strip are enduring the impacts of harsh economic and social conditions. Your continued contributions are crucial to alleviate their plights and strengthen their resilience.", Palestinian Authority Minister of Social Affairs Mr. Shawqi Al-Aissa said.
Japan's contribution allows WFP to maintain investment in the local economy through local purchases which help build resilience. Since 2011, WFP has invested more than US$150 million in the Palestinian economy via local purchases and its food voucher programme.
As one of WFP's top donors, since 2005, Japan has given more than US$29 million to help food insecure Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza.
WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, delivering food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition and build resilience. In 2013, WFP assisted more than 8o million people in 75 countries.
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For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org): Rosella Fanelli, WFP/Jerusalem, Mob. +972 546772210, rossella.fanelli@wfp.org
Hideki Kamiya, Second Secretary, Representative Office of Japan to the Palestinian Authority, hideki.kamiya@mofa.go.j]
Document Sources: World Food Programme (WFP)
Country: Japan
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Food, Gaza Strip, Humanitarian relief, Living conditions, Population, Poverty, Protection
Publication Date: 20/11/2014