- The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Minister for Defence Industry
- The Hon Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Albanese Government will provide a further $25 million in emergency assistance to respond to growing global food insecurity and humanitarian crises.
Acute food insecurity, driven by conflict, climate change and rising food prices, is impacting 350 million people around the world.
The extra funds provided by the Australian Government include an additional $15 million for the Horn of Africa, $5 million for Yemen and $5 million for Pakistan.
Funds will go towards providing food, water and other essential support, delivered through Australian and local NGOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross and UN partners. This will save lives, with some projects specifically supporting women and children.
Millions face starvation in East Africa and Yemen, due to enduring drought and conflict. This additional support will bring our humanitarian assistance to $25 million for the Horn of Africa and $10 million for Yemen since September 2022.
In Pakistan, nearly 15 million people in flood-affected areas need emergency food assistance while children continue to suffer from high rates of malnutrition. This funding doubles Australia’s support to the Pakistan flood response to $10 million.
This announcement builds on our existing assistance to address food insecurity. This is in addition to $232 million already provided to the World Food Programme since 2021-22, and financial and technical assistance to countries in our region to help make their food and agricultural systems more resilient.
Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:
“The growing scale of food insecurity and human suffering is deeply concerning. The Australian Government is committed to ensuring our humanitarian assistance responds to the greatest needs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon Pat Conroy (MP):
“Australia is acutely aware of the humanitarian challenges that exist globally. This assistance will target those most at-risk, drawing on the expertise of Australian NGOs and other valued partners.”
Quote attributable to Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon Tim Watts (MP):
“Australia is supporting partner countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia to respond to the rising levels of food insecurity and humanitarian need.”
