Through the fund approved by the Swiss Development Agency (SDC), WFP will directly target 3,000 people from 15 borderline settlements in the groups․
YEREVAN: The UN World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a US$ 1 million contribution from the Government of Switzerland to improve resilience and provide a long-term economic support to the border communities of former Soviet republic country Armenia, a WFP Armenia release said.
“The past two years have been particularly difficult for the people living in border communities of Armenia. The contribution received from the Government of Switzerland is critical to support thousands of people affected by the military escalations in September 2022”, said WFP Deputy Country Director and Officer-in-Charge in Armenia, Nanna Skau.” WFP will continue working with partners and the Government of Armenia to reach more people ensuring no one is left behind.”
Peoples living in border areas and people displaced as a result of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict faced significant hardships to meet their food and other essential needs in recent years. Most people still heavily rely on some type of social assistance to make ends meet.
The Money will help WFP provide humanitarian support to both conflict-affected and most vulnerable populations in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Vayots Dzor regions. To support people in need, WFP and partners will provide psycho-social services, cash assistance, as well as support to longer-term economic recovery to help overcome the difficulties caused by the recent conflicts and shocks.
“Switzerland has a longstanding tradition of humanitarian assistance to Armenia in time of need, which started with the Spitak earthquake of 1988,” said the Ambassador of Switzerland to Armenia, H.E. Lukas Rosenkranz, during the official project signing ceremony between the SDC and the WFP.
Armenia faced significant challenges since last 2 years to carry out its socioeconomic reform. Several serious shocks such as COVID-19, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and the recent military escalation between Armenia and Azerbaijan increased poverty and pushed thousands of people into food insecurity.
WFP will closely collaborate with different ministries to develop a strong social protection system by improving communities’ readiness and preparedness to respond to various potential shocks and crises.
The WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability, and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate issues.
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