S. Sudan: Japan gives WFP nearly $2m as food assistance

August 30, 2013 (JUBA) – The Japanese government has contributed US$1.934 million to help United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) provide food assistance to the most vulnerable people in South Sudan.

The funds, WFP said in a statement, will be used to purchase pulses and cereals in South Sudan, where the agency is responding to the urgent humanitarian needs of food insecure people.

It cited continuing insecurity, a lack of infrastructure and low rainfalls in parts of the country as having combined to heighten vulnerability of the poorest across the country.

“We hope that this grant will help improve the situation of vulnerable people including refugees, internally displaced persons and South Sudanese returnees by providing much needed food supplies,” said Takeshi Akamatsu, Chargé d’affaires ad interim at the Japanese embassy in South Sudan.

The contribution, he further said, shows Japan’s strong commitment to support the consolidation of peace and food security in South Sudan.

“WFP has been one of the most important partners to the Government of Japan in delivering humanitarian assistance”.

Eddie Rowe, WFP South Sudan deputy country director said the Japanese contribution comes at a critical time, when the agency urgently needs support from donors to guarantee that food distributions continues to reach people in need of life-saving assistance.

“We are grateful to the people of Japan for their consistent and valued support to WFP,” he said in the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Since South Sudan’s independence in July 2011, Japan has reportedly contributed nearly US$111m through international organizations, including over US$14m to WFP, for humanitarian assistance and improvement of livelihoods in the young nation.

(ST)