International organizations call for “urgent action against the world food crisis”

In the statement, it was stated that while expressing condolences to the people of Turkey and Syria who were harmed by the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, it was stated that the organizations were closely monitoring the situation and working to provide the necessary support within their field. . of duty.

Emphasizing that poverty and food insecurity have increased globally despite decades of development gains, the statement says supply chain disruptions, climate change, the Covid-19 outbreak, financial constraints through increases in interest rates and the war between Russia and Ukraine have caused an unprecedented impact on the country. global food system. .

In the statement, it was noted that double-digit inflation was observed in dozens of countries, and that food inflation remained high around the world.

According to the WFP, 349 million people in 79 countries are experiencing food insecurity and the prevalence of malnutrition is increasing, with this situation expected to worsen as the global food supply is forecast to fall to a 3-year low.

In the statement, it was emphasized that the need is acute in 24 countries, 16 of which are in Africa, which the FAO and WFP define as “hunger hotspots.”

Noting the expenditures made by subsidized countries in response to rising food, fuel and fertilizer prices, it was noted that $4.3 billion was spent on social protection measures in low-income countries and $507.6 billion in low-income countries. high income.

THE FUND IS URGENTLY NEEDED

The statement listed urgent measures to prevent the worsening of the food and nutrition crisis, under the headings of “recovering from hunger pangs”, “facilitating trade, improving the functioning of markets and enhancing the role of the private sector” and “reorganize and use harmful subsidies”, while short-term measures by countries to respond to the crisis were listed. It was stressed that urgent interventions and long-term resilience efforts must be balanced.

The organization urged governments and donors to support efforts at the national level to meet needs in hotspots, noting that WFP and FAO urgently need funds to reach the most vulnerable immediately.

The statement urged countries to avoid policies such as export restrictions that could hinder access to food for poor consumers in low-income food-importing countries, take trade facilitation measures to improve food availability, and fertilizers and support trade finance initiatives in a transparent and non-confidential manner. -discriminatory manner.

In the statement, which also touched on the state of existing subsidies, it was stated that countries should reorganize and use general universal subsidies towards more focused programs for global food security and sustainable food systems.

Steps have already been taken to address key structural challenges in social protection and the food and fertilizer markets, but more concerted action is needed in key areas to avoid a protracted crisis, according to the statement. (AA)