New Zealand provides $ 500,000 for food aid
2008-11-05 15:18:26

New Zealand’s Acting Foreign Minister Helen Clark announced today that $ 500,000 million in assistance will be made available from NZAID to support the United Nations World Food programme’s (WFP) work in Sri Lanka.

A similar sum was allocated for work in Nepal.

“Reflecting our concern at the deepening crises in these countries, New Zealand will provide $500,000 to the WFP appeal in Nepal and a further $500,000 to the agency’s work in Sri Lanka,” Helen Clark was quoted in a press release.

“The $500,000 allocation towards the WFP’s appeal in Sri Lanka also seeks to address the needs of those facing food shortages due to conflict.

“It is estimated that there are currently 230,000 people in Sri Lanka who have been forced to leave their homes due to fighting. Security concerns and restrictions on the importation of food, fuel, medicines and equipment have hampered relief efforts.

“Due to conflict many people in Nepal and Sri Lanka are now in a situation where they are struggling to feed their families. The support provided by New Zealand, as part of wider international efforts, will help provide some relief for those who need it most,” Helen Clark said.