Republic Of Korea Provides US$ 7 Million To Help WFP Support Nutrition Needs In DPR Korea
SEOUL / ROME – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has received US$7 million from the government of the Republic of Korea for WFP’s operations in support of the nutritional needs of women and children in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
“It is a good time to resume humanitarian assistance via WFP to DPRK after seven years. The
ROK looks forward to strengthening the partnership with WFP through the Memorandum of Understanding signed here today,” said Tae-Hyun Baik, Director General of Inter-Korea Exchange and Cooperation Bureau, at the signing ceremony in Rome to formalise the contribution.
“WFP is delighted to see this renewed commitment from the Republic of Korea to support humanitarian needs in DPR Korea,” said Dierk Stegen, WFP Country Director in DPRK. “Our work in DPR Korea has been chronically underfunded and just a few months ago we were considering closing down the operation altogether. With this new contribution, and other donations received over the past months, WFP can now continue operations until the end of March 2015 – but more funds are still needed to continue after that date.”
Since WFP announced its funding crisis in DPRK in August, new contributions have been received from China, Kuwait, Liechtenstein and Russia, as well as the Republic of Korea. This newest donation, which comes from the Ministry of Unification, is the first contribution from the Republic of Korea to WFP’s operations in DPRK since 2007.
WFP operations in DPRK support the nutritional needs of women and children, many of whom suffer from chronic malnutrition due to a diet lacking in key micronutrients, proteins and fats. WFP programmes aim to provide nutritious, fortified foods to 1.1 million young children and their mothers every month.
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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. In 2013, WFP assisted more than 80 million people in 75 countries.
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For more information please contact:
Silke Buhr, WFP/Bangkok, Tel. +66 81 701 9208, silke.buhr@wfp.org
