Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called on the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday to reverse its decision to cut food support for Syrian refugees. Safadi tweeted, "This is not Jordan's responsibility. It is (the responsibility) of those who cut the support. We cannot bear this burden alone." He added, "We urge the WFP and others who cut support for Syrian refugees to reconsider their decision."
Safadi stated that the United Nations "must work to enable voluntary return. Until then, its agencies must maintain sufficient support." Meanwhile, the WFP announced at that time that it would provide food assistance to only about 2.5 million of the 5.5 million people it supports. It remains unclear whether these figures include refugees outside Syria.
The WFP mentioned it had "exhausted all options" and was still facing a severe funding shortfall, even after taking this step. It added, "Without the necessary funds, the WFP will have to further reduce its response."
Humanitarian agencies affiliated with the United Nations and other relief groups are struggling to continue assisting Syrians amid rising needs and declining funding flows. More than 15 million people across the country need assistance, a record number, and malnutrition rates have reached all-time highs. However, the United Nations stated in June that its appeal for humanitarian action in Syria this year, valued at $5.4 billion, was only 11 percent funded.
