Australia Supports WFP Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance In Mosul

“Australia is pleased to support WFP’s crucial work in assisting Iraqis who are in urgent need as a result of the conflict,” said Christopher Langman, Ambassador of Australia to Iraq. “This contribution is part of Australia’s AUD$110 million (US$82) grant to support the displaced families in Iraq over the next three years.”

 

In eastern Mosul, WFP is partnering with other organizations to provide unconditional cash transfers, which help families to purchase food and cover other basic needs such as rent, medicine or clothing. Each vulnerable household receives AUD$522 (US$400) through SCOPE, WFP’s electronic platform for humanitarian assistance.

 

People in Mosul have reported that their lack of cash has limited them from buying food and other items they need, which are readily available in local shops. As multi-purpose cash assistance is given without any preconditions, families can prioritize spending according to their individual circumstances.

 

“Australia’s generous contribution will benefit families in Mosul as well as local farmers and traders by increasing demand for their goods,” said Sally Haydock, WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq. “Multi-purpose cash assistance shows how implementing the commitments of last year’s World Humanitarian Summit can have a vital impact on people’s everyday lives.”

 

The Australian contribution will also fund other WFP activities that aim to build the resilience of displaced Iraqis through programmes that build skills and improve livelihoods.

 

Since 2014, Australia has supported WFP in Iraq with AUD$33 million (almost US$26 million) in contributions, which have enabled the delivery of food assistance for the most vulnerable Iraqis through monthly family food rations and cash-based transfers.

 

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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. Each year, WFP assists some 80 million people in around 80 countries.

 

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For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):

 

Sally Haydock, WFP/Baghdad, Tel. +964 (0) 780 929 9900

Abeer Etefa, WFP/Cairo, Tel. +2 016 663 4352

Dina El-Kassaby, WFP/Cairo, Tel. +2 010 1521 8882