WFP hails largest Australian donation to Sudan’s Darfur

July 23, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The UN World Food Programme (WFP) today welcomed the Australian Government’s donation to its operation in Sudan’s troubled region of Darfur.

The WFP described this donation as Australia’s largest ever one-time contribution through WFP to a single country.

The donation of US$14 million (AUD$16 million) is part of a US$17.5 million pledge to the war-ravaged western region of Darfur announced earlier this month by Australia’s Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer.

Plagued by persistent insecurity, Sudan remains one of the most challenging countries in which to distribute humanitarian assistance: since 2003, the conflict in Darfur has uprooted a third of the region’s population and violence has intensified, despite last year’s peace agreement.

“This generous donation from the people of Australia will help millions of Darfurians, many of whom have been displaced by fighting and are completely reliant on food aid for their survival,” said Kenro Oshidari, WFP Sudan Representative.

Three quarters of Australia’s contribution (US$10.5 million) will go towards WFP’s Emergency Operation, while the remaining US$3.5 million will ensure the continued operation of WFP’s Humanitarian Air Service in the country, which provides crucial support to all humanitarian workers. In line with increasing needs, Australia donated US$7 million to the Sudan operation in 2005, rising to US$8.7 million in 2006.

Sudan is WFP’s largest operation, requiring some US$ 685 million during 2007 to provide food assistance to 5.5 million people (2.8 million in Darfur alone).

(ST)