Sudanese Human Rights activists call EU leaders to stop the airstrikes in support of peace in Sudan

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19 July 2023

Ukraine: Do not play with nuclear Armageddon, warns UN Assembly President

Since the outbreak of the conflict, tens of thousands have lost their lives, many more have been wounded, and millions displaced within Ukraine and outside its borders.

“We must remember that behind every number lies a mother, a father, a child, a grandparent. To turn a blind eye would be an affront to the memory of those who have already perished,” Csaba Kőrösi, President of the 77th session of the General Assembly, told the meeting of Member States.

He added that while the Security Council has failed to adopt a resolution related to the conflict, the General Assembly, “resolute and active, has not let the international community become numb to this war.”

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Nuclear rhetoric must be stopped

At the meeting, held under Agenda Item 59, on the situation in the temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine, Mr. Kőrösi underlined that the nuclear rhetoric must stop.

Amidst the crisis, the threat of a nuclear catastrophe continues to loom large, with Europe’s largest nuclear power plant located in an active conflict zone, posing grave, imminent danger far beyond the region, he said.

“I must repeat what I have said before: nuclear arms will not solve a conflict. We cannot play with a nuclear Armageddon,” the Assembly President stressed.

He appealed to Russia and Russian leaders’ sense of responsibility: “you have the power to end it. And, as one of the most influential decision-makers in the world, you can do it – if you want to.”

War and development

President Kőrösi also highlighted that the fighting is deeply connected to the Sustainable Development goals (SDGs), threatening the “very prospect” of a sustainable future.

“How can we expect to effectively address food and energy insecurity, climate change, water security, and biodiversity loss when conflicts have ripple effects across the globe?”

Simply put, he continued, the war is fundamentally unreconcilable with the pursuit of the 17 Goals, “the ones we hope to secure humanity’s survival.”

Vulnerable pay the price

Mr. Kőrösi also underlined the importance of the Black Sea Initiative, which ensured food for hundreds of millions worldwide, and which expired just a day ago, after Russia withdrew from the instrument.

“I implore all parties to come together in dialogue and diplomacy to restart negotiations, for it is always the most vulnerable who suffer the consequences. Let them not pay the price of political games”, he urged.

Attack on Ukrainian port condemned

Meanwhile, just hours after the termination of the Initiative, the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odesa, one of the country’s main ports for exporting grain, came under attack. The port’s infrastructure was reportedly damaged.

Denise Brown, Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, condemned the assault and said that civilian infrastructure, which is key for food security globally, appears to have been targeted.

Civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected under international humanitarian law, she stressed.

Earlier on Monday, a key bridge linking Russia to the annexed Crimea region, was also apparently targeted, reportedly killing a couple and injuring a child with them who were travelling on the Russian-built structure that’s a key supply route for the Russian war effort.

Sudan: Conflict displaces nearly 200,000 alone in the past week

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19 July 2023

Sudan: Conflict displaces nearly 200,000 alone in the past week

Overall, more than 2.6 million people have been internally displaced since the start of the conflict on 15 April.

Meanwhile, more than 730,000 people have fled Sudan for neighbouring countries, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

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Top UN officials visit refugee camp

On Tuesday, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and the head of the World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, visited a camp in eastern Chad that has taken in Sudanese refugees.

Ms. Mohammed said she was inspired by the courage of those who had fled there, many of whom were women and children, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York.

“She said that she also heard stories of unimaginable suffering in Sudan and enormous needs in Chad,” he added. “More international support is needed for refugees and their host communities, she said.”

UN support continues

Back in Sudan, humanitarians continue to provide relief to civilians.

In North Darfur, the UN children’s agency (UNICEF) and partners are supporting water trucking to gathering sites for internally displaced people, as well as healthcare facilities. They have also constructed more than two dozen latrines.

Mr. Dujarric said UN health agency WHO is working closely with Sudan’s Ministry of Health and other partners in states sheltering internally displaced people to provide essential, reproductive, sexual, maternal and pediatric care.

On Monday, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners managed to deliver life-saving supplies, including 3,000 reproductive health kits, to six hospitals in Khartoum state.

He said UNFPA is committed to reaching all women and girls in need in Sudan with urgent health and protection services.

3 Delicious Ways Europeans Cook Beef Steak

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Charlie W. Grease

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18 July 2023

a white plate topped with beef steak and potatoes

Steak is a beloved dish across Europe, but the methods of preparing it can vary greatly between countries. From quick high-heat grilling to low-and-slow braising, Europeans have perfected numerous techniques for cooking beef to juicy, flavorful perfection.

In this article, we’ll explore 3 of the most popular ways that Europeans prepare beef steak, each showcasing the unique flavours and cooking styles of different regions. Whether you prefer your steak charred on the outside and red on the inside or slow-cooked until butter-soft, you’re sure to find inspiration from the diverse beef steak recipes across Europe. Read on to learn how to make steak like a pro, European style.

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Method 1 – Grilled Beef Steak with Herb Butter (France):

In France, steak is often cooked quickly over high heat and served with rich, flavoured butter. This method accentuates the natural flavour of quality beef with a nice char while keeping the interior pink and juicy.

For French-style grilled steak, choose a thick, well-marbled cut like ribeye, porterhouse or T-bone. Pat the steak dry and brush lightly with oil. Season generously with salt and pepper. Place the steak on a preheated grill or grill pan over high heat. Resist the urge to move it – you want a dark, caramelized crust to form. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.

While the steak grills mash together softened butter, minced parsley, lemon zest, garlic, and shallots. Spread the herb butter over the resting steak until melted. The butter bastes the steak while also providing an extra hit of brightness and flavour.

Serve the steak immediately with the pan juices poured over the top. Crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh salad make perfect accompaniments. This is steak at its simplest and most delicious.

Method 2 – Beef Wellington (England):

For special occasions, the British turn to a lavish, retro classic – Beef Wellington. Tender filet mignon is coated in pâté and duxelles, then wrapped in puff pastry and baked.

To make Beef Wellington:

Season a filet mignon steak aggressively with salt and pepper and sear it in a hot skillet for 1-2 minutes per side. Allow it to cool, then coat it with mustard. Spread pâté in an even layer over the steak, then top with a mushroom duxelles mixture (finely chopped mushrooms cooked down with shallots and herbs).

On a sheet of puff pastry, place the coated steak. Wrap the pastry tightly around the steak, sealing the edges with egg wash. Chill for at least 30 minutes before baking at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Allow the Wellington to rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute. The result is a spectacular presentation with flaky pastry encasing a perfect medium-rare steak. The earthy duxelles provides extra umami flavour. Serve whole or sliced with roasted vegetables for an elegant English classic.

Method 3 – Slow-Cooked Beef Stew (Belgium):

Belgian beef stew, also known as carbonade flamande, is the ultimate cold-weather comfort dish. Cubed beef chuck is gently braised for hours in a Belgian ale until meltingly tender and full of flavour.

To make the stew:

Dredge cubed beef chuck in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Brown the beef in batches in hot oil. Remove the meat and cook down sliced onions and garlic until caramelized. Deglaze the pan with a bottle of Belgian ale like Chimay.

Return the beef to the pot along with the ale and bring to a simmer. Add in diced carrots, celery and cubed potatoes. Season with thyme, bay leaves, mustard powder, brown sugar, and red wine vinegar.

Allow the stew to simmer gently on low heat for 2-3 hours until the beef is fall-apart tender. If the stew becomes too thick, add more ale or beef stock.

Serve the rich stew ladled over buttery egg noodles or mashed potatoes to soak up the luscious gravy. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Enjoy with a Belgian ale, which complements and deepens the stew’s complex flavours.

Ready to eat? I mean, to cook?:

From quick grilling to elaborate baking to slow braising, Europeans have perfected diverse techniques for cooking incredible beef steak. These methods – charring steak over fire like the French, wrapping in pastry like the British, or braising in ale like the Belgians – showcase both traditional and modern flavours that make steak an enduring classic across Europe.

Grilled steak with herbed butter highlights fresh herbs and the natural taste of beef. Beef Wellington takes lavish ingredients like pâté and puff pastry to create an elegant presentation. And slowly-simmered carbonade flamande transforms a tougher cut into a luscious, meltingly tender stew.

The next time you cook steak, try one of these European-inspired methods. Or explore even more global ways to prepare beef, from Italian bistecca Fiorentina to German Jägerschnitzel. With a world of options, you’re guaranteed to find new favourite ways to cook this meaty icon.

So gather ingredients, fire up your stove or grill, and enjoy an international steak tour without ever leaving your kitchen. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Tunisia: UN experts urge swift action to uphold migrants’ rights

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18 July 2023

Tunisia: UN experts urge swift action to uphold migrants’ rights

“Collective expulsions are prohibited under international law,” the UN experts warned in a statement.

They emphasized that it is prohibition under international human rights law to deport migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers without conducting an individual and objective risk assessment of the potential human rights violations they might face upon return.

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Women and children deported

The experts wrote to the Tunisian Government in March to express their concerns.

“We call on the authorities to immediately halt any further deportations and to continue and expand humanitarian access to a dangerous area on the Tunisian-Libyan border where many, including pregnant women and children, have already been deported,” the UN experts said.

They stressed that international human rights law upholds the policy of non-refoulement, or not sending people back to countries where they are likely to suffer torture or other harm, which applies to all forms of expulsion, regardless of nationality or migration status.

Stop hate speech

“We are also deeply concerned about reports of racist hate speech in the country, and reports of violence against migrants in Sfax, including perpetrated by law enforcement officials,” the experts said.

“Racial hate speech that constitutes incitement to discrimination has real consequences, including violence,” they stressed.

The experts called on the Tunisian Government to take immediate steps to end racist hate speech and protect sub-Saharan migrants from violence. They also urged the Government to investigate reported acts of violence and ensure access to justice and remedies for victims.

The experts who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

They are not UN staff and are not paid for their work.

UN celebrates Nelson Mandela, ‘a colossus of courage and conviction’

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18 July 2023

UN celebrates Nelson Mandela, ‘a colossus of courage and conviction’

The annual celebration pays tribute to Mr. Mandela’s 67 years of service to humanity as a human rights lawyer, prisoner of conscience, international peacemaker and the first democratically elected President of post-apartheid South Africa.

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Honour the legacy

The UN chief described the former leader, who died in 2013, as “a colossus of courage and conviction”.

Mr. Guterres said the best way to honour his legacy is through action against racism, discrimination, hate and the legacies of colonialism.

“And action to promote equality, human rights and above all, justice,” he added.

Inspiration for action

The Secretary-General noted that poverty, hunger and inequality are on the rise today, with many countries drowning in debt.

Meanwhile, the climate crisis is destroying the lives of those who have done the least to cause it, and the unfair and outdated international financial system is not fulfilling its function as a global safety net.

“We have it in our power to solve each of these problems,” he said.

“So, as we commemorate Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy, let us be animated by his spirit of humanity, dignity and justice. Let us stand with women and girls, young people and changemakers everywhere. And let us take action to build a better world.”

Climate action now

Nelson Mandela International Day is observed annually on his birthday, 18 July, and people everywhere are encouraged to volunteer for 67 minutes, either in their communities or virtually.

This year, the UN called for supporting its ActNow campaign on climate change and sustainability, recalling that Mr. Mandela said “we must never forget that it is our duty to protect this environment.”

The UN General Assembly will hold an informal meeting on Thursday to mark the International Day.

Speakers will include Andrew Young, politician, activist, and former United States Ambassador to the UN.

UK Bill ‘significantly erodes’ human rights and refugee protections, UN agencies warn

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18 July 2023

UK Bill ‘significantly erodes’ human rights and refugee protections, UN agencies warn

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Concerns over legislation

The Illegal Immigration Bill eliminates access to asylum for anyone who arrives “irregularly” in the UK, meaning they passed through a country – however briefly – where they did not face persecution.

The bill bars migrants from presenting refugee protection or other human rights claims, regardless of their circumstances. It has passed through the Commons, but has yet to clear the Upper House, the House of Lords.

The law as it stands requires their removal to another country without a guarantee that they will necessarily be able to access protections there. The bill also creates sweeping new detention powers with limited judicial oversight.

“UNHCR shares the UK Government’s concern regarding the number of asylum-seekers resorting to dangerous journeys across the [English] Channel.

“We welcome current efforts to make the existing asylum system work more effectively through fast, fair, and efficient case processing, that allows the integration of those found to be in need of international protection and the swift return home of those who have no legal basis to stay,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

“Regrettably, this progress will be significantly undermined by the new legislation. Cooperation with European and other partners along the routes through which refugees and migrants are moving, is also key,” he continued.

Contrary to human rights

The Bill denies access to refugee protections for anyone falling within its scope – including unaccompanied and separated children – regardless of whether they are at risk of persecution, have suffered human rights violations, or whether they are survivors of human trafficking or modern-day slavery.

“Carrying out removals under these circumstances is contrary to prohibitions of refoulement and collective expulsions, rights to due process, to family and private life, and the principle of best interests of children concerned,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

The 1951 Refugee Convention, to which the UK was one of the original signatories, explicitly recognises that refugees may be compelled to enter a country of asylum irregularly.

Most people fleeing war and persecution do not have or are unable to access formal travel documents such as passports and visas. Safe and “legal” routes to immigration are therefore oftentimes not available to them.

Without the adequate operational capacity to remove large numbers of asylum-seekers or create viable removal arrangements with third countries, thousands of migrants can be expected to remain in the UK indefinitely in precarious legal situations, the agencies said.

‘Grave risks’

“For decades, the UK has provided refuge to those in need, in line with its international obligations – a tradition of which it has been rightly proud. This new legislation significantly erodes the legal framework that has protected so many, exposing refugees to grave risks in breach of international law,” said Mr. Grandi.

UN refugee and human rights experts say the legislation will also exacerbate the already vulnerable situation of refugees in the UK, drastically limiting their enjoyment of human rights and putting many at risk of detention and destitution.

Their rights to health, an adequate standard of living, and employment are all at risk, exposing them to potential exploitation and abuse.

History of compassion

“The UK has long had a commitment to upholding international human rights and refugee law. Such steadfast commitment is needed today more than ever,” said UN human rights chief Volker Türk.

“I urge the UK Government to renew this commitment to human rights by reversing this law and ensuring that the rights of all migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers are respected, protected, and fulfilled, without discrimination.

“This should include efforts to guarantee expeditious and fair processing of asylum and human rights claims, improve reception conditions, and increase the availability and accessibility of safe pathways for regular migration,” he added.

Health risks on the rise as heatwave intensifies across Europe: WMO

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18 July 2023

Health risks on the rise as heatwave intensifies across Europe: WMO

In an alert, the agency emphasized that heatwaves are amongst the deadliest natural hazards and WMO Senior Heat Advisor, John Nairn, told reporters that extreme temperatures are poised to grow in frequency, duration and intensity.

“Repeated high night-time temperatures are particularly dangerous for human health because the body is unable to recover from sustained heat”, he said. “This leads to increased cases of heart attacks and death.”

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Deadly impact

According to a recent report by the UN agency, 60,000 additional people died due to extreme heat in Europe last summer – despite the continent’s strong early warning and health action plans.

WMO said that it was urgent to adapt infrastructure to withstand prolonged high temperatures and to raise vulnerable people’s awareness of the risks.

The agency warned of the increased risk of death through heatwaves in Asia, North Africa and the United States too.

“Heat is a rapidly growing health risk due to increased or rapid urbanization, the increasing extreme temperatures and an ageing population”, said Mr. Nairn.

According to WMO, this year’s extensive and intense heatwaves are alarming – but not unexpected – as they are in line with forecasts.

Climate change extremes

Scorching conditions “are not your normal weather systems of the past” and are with us “as a consequence of climate change”, Mr. Nairn insisted. “You are losing the North Pole ice and that is reinforcing that mechanism and it will continue for some time.”

The WMO expert added that “the recently declared El Niño is only expected to amplify the occurrence and intensity of extreme heat events. “And they will have quite serious impacts on human health and livelihoods.”

Replying to a journalist’s question on how the current heatwave had developed, Mr. Nairn pointed to “parked weather systems that accumulate a lot of sunshine and heat in one location that moves extremely slowly…You have to reverse it. You have to do climate repair to change it. So, it is global warming and is going to continue for some time.”

‘Invisible emergency’

Describing the heatwave as an “invisible emergency”, Panu Saaristo, Emergency Health Unit Team leader from the international Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), said that it was crucial to look out for people who were vulnerable because of poor health, but also factor in socio-economic conditions and living arrangements, “which can also induce risks”.

Low-income neighbourhoods in European cities currently bear the brunt, he added, noting that heatwaves “also impact other areas of society through reduced economic output, strained health systems and even power outages”.

WMO stressed that worldwide, more intense and extreme heat is unavoidable and that it is imperative to prepare and adapt as many cities, homes and workplaces are not built to withstand prolonged high temperatures.

Archaeologist claims to have discovered biblical Sodom

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News desk

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18 July 2023

Researchers are certain that Tell el-Hamam in Jordan, where signs of extreme heat and a layer of destruction are consistent with the biblical story of the destruction of Sodom, is the site of this ancient city. In a recent interview published in late June, an archaeologist makes a compelling case regarding the identification of the ancient biblical site of Sodom. Stephen Collins, dean of the archeology department at Trinity Southwest University, says he and his team have reason to believe that Tell el-Hammam in Jordan has multiple features that point to Sodom, reports The Daily Caller. In particular, the site boasts scattered Bronze Age artefacts that show signs of intense heating. This matches the description in the biblical stories of the fiery destruction of the city.

Collins elaborates on the intriguing finds, stating, “After we get a few centimeters into the Bronze Age layer, we come across a piece of pottery—part of a storage jar that appears to be glazed.” One of Collins’ colleagues draws a parallel , comparing the visible scars to those at the Trinity nuclear test site in New Mexico, where the world’s first atomic bomb was detonated. Previous reports of the site suggest that it suffered catastrophic destruction about 4,000 years ago, possibly as a result of a meteorite impact. Although the veracity of this event has yet to be established, evidence has been found, as detailed in the study. The researcher noted the presence of a charcoal-rich layer, indicative of intense burning, as well as a collection of melted artifacts. Based on these finds, it is assumed that the site was subjected to a rapid and devastating destruction.

In addition to this, Collins claims that there are at least 25 geographical references in Scripture that can be linked to lead to the location of Sodom. As an example, he points to Genesis 13:11, which tells of Lot heading east. It should be noted that Tell el-Hamam is located east of Bethel and Ai, which is consistent with this biblical account.

The suggestion made by Collins and his team offers the attractive possibility that Tell el-Hammam was indeed the site of the ancient city of Sodom. Given the Bronze Age remains showing signs of intense heat reminiscent of Sodom’s fiery fate, and geographic correlations consistent with biblical descriptions, further research and scientific analysis will no doubt shed further light on this noteworthy hypothesis.

Scientists from the University of California (Santa Barbara) said that they managed to solve one of the most ancient mysteries of human history – the secret of the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, mentioned in the Bible, Express.co.uk wrote in March last year.

The scriptures say that they were wiped off the face of the earth by the wrath of God, because their inhabitants had sunk into unprecedented depravity and lost all fear. But the reality was much more prosaic, says lead study author Prof James Kennett. According to him, Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by a meteor shower, which burned all the buildings and caused the death of all 8,000 inhabitants. Perhaps the same event caused the walls of Jericho to fall. This hypothesis seems very plausible, considering that Jericho was located about 25 kilometers from the epicenter of the “fire element”. Scholars explain that visually what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah may indeed have resembled the wrath of God, as a giant ball of fire most likely fell from the sky on the cities. An explosion followed, which devastated the northern part of the Jordan Valley and leveled buildings on an area of about 100 acres. The palace described in ancient sources was also destroyed, the town houses and dozens of small villages were reduced to ashes.

Californian researchers are convinced that there were no survivors of this disaster. The powerful explosion occurred about 2.5 km above the ground and created a shock wave that spread at a speed of about 800 km/h. Human remains discovered by archaeologists at the crash site suggest that they were blown up or burned. Many bones are covered with cracks, some are split. “We saw evidence of temperatures in excess of 2,000 degrees Celsius,” says Prof Kennett. Similar conclusions were made by an international team of experts who studied fragments of ceramics and building materials. “Everything has melted and turned to glass,” summarizes Kenneth.

Man-made technology that could cause such damage certainly did not exist in those days. Professor Kennett compared this extraordinary event to the fall of the Tunguska meteorite in 1908, when a 12-megaton “space projectile” destroyed 80 million trees in an area of about 900 square kilometers in eastern Siberia. It may also have been the impact that wiped out the dinosaurs, but on a smaller scale. Molten metals, including iron and silica, have been found in the area where Sodom and Gomorrah are thought to have been located, in soil samples and limestone deposits. This should also be considered as evidence that something extraordinary happened there – an instantaneous impact of extremely high temperatures.

Sodom and Gomorrah together occupied an area 10 and 5 times larger than Jerusalem and Jericho respectively. Throughout this area, researchers are finding samples of cracked quartz, according to Prof. Kennett. “I think one of the main discoveries is the cracked quartz. These are grains of sand containing cracks that form only under very high pressure – explains the scientist. – Quartz is one of the hardest minerals. It is very difficult to crack,” explains the scientist.

Now researchers from all over the world are excavating the ancient city of Tal el-Haman. Many of them argue whether this settlement is exactly the place that the Bible calls Sodom. Researchers believe that the great catastrophe that occurred in this area gave rise to oral traditions that inspired the written account in the book of Genesis. Perhaps the same cataclysm gave rise to the biblical legend of the fall of the walls of Jericho.

Illustration: Orthodox icon St David and Solomon – Vatoped monastery, Mount Athos.

WFP forced to slash food aid as half of all Haitians go hungry

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18 July 2023

WFP forced to slash food aid as half of all Haitians go hungry

This reduction in aid comes at a time when Haiti is grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis, with almost half of its population, approximately 4.9 million people, unable to access sufficient food.

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Further cuts possible

“It’s tragic being unable to reach some of the most vulnerable Haitians this month. These cuts could not come at a worse time, as Haitians face a multi-layered humanitarian crisis, their lives and livelihoods upended by violence, insecurity, economic turmoil and climate shocks”, said Jean-Martin Bauer, WFP Country Director for Haiti.

“Unless we receive immediate funding, further devastating cuts cannot be ruled out.”

In various regions, similar crises arising from reduced funding have led to significant cuts in emergency aid provision. In West Africa, the number of individuals receiving crucial assistance from the WFP has been reduced from 11.6 million to around 6.2 million.

And in Syria, instead of providing aid to 5.5 million people, that figure has been reduced to three million who are being prioritised. In Jordan, approximately 50,000 out of 465,000 refugees will see their support cut, the agency has reported.

Severe shortfall

WFP’s response plan in Haiti for the first half of 2023 is only 16 per cent funded, leaving a shortfall of $121 million needed to sustain vital humanitarian assistance until the end of the year.

In the first half of 2023, WFP was able to provide 450,000 school children in Haiti with a hot meal. For many, it is their only full meal of the day. However, without additional funds, almost half of these children will lose access to school meals when they return to class after the summer break.

“We are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve so far in 2023, thanks to support from our donors. We have the people, the plan, and the capacity to continue, but at this point, without immediate funding, we’re forced to make cuts which mean thousands of the most vulnerable Haitians won’t receive assistance this year,” said Mr. Bauer.

“This isn’t the time to cut back. It’s the time to step up. We can’t let Haitians down when they need us the most.”