Action Against Hunger comments on Russia suspending its backing of the Black Sea grain export deal due to its conflict with Ukraine intensifying. Despite exports still continuing after Russia’s announcement, the development marks an uncertain time for some of the poorest parts of the world, particularly in Africa which relies on imports of agricultural products from Russia and Ukraine.
Kate Munro, Action Against Hunger UK’s Head of Advocacy said:
“The UN-brokered grain deal has delivered significant amounts of vital food to countries most in need. By enabling the export of grain from Ukraine, the deal has also helped to drive down food prices meaning more choice for families in parts of the world on the verge of famine – like East Africa. At a time of intense drought and when 6.7 million people are projected to face crisis levels of hunger, the over 8.5 million tonnes of vital food which the deal has helped to deliver have been a lifeline for many.
“Putting grain shipments in peril adds to the huge risk that millions already face; such as in East Africa where a child is dying every 36 seconds of malnutrition.”
“This is in part due to a conflict which they are geographically removed from. There should be renewed discussions to maintain this deal; this would show a clear commitment that countries around the world are serious about ending hunger, so that any supply chain issues in one country do not have ripple effects on a global level.
“However, we must appreciate that the causes of hunger are multi-faceted. The scale of the problem cannot be lessened solely by shipments of food. We need to ensure that communities facing the worst effects of hunger are given the support they need to protect their lives and livelihoods now and well into the future; this can be through income support, training on nutrition and climate resilient farming practices, as well as providing life-saving treatment for critically malnourished children.
“The driving force behind these varied solutions is the need to protect and save more lives from hunger levels on a scale we have never seen before. Right now we urgently need the UK government to review its aid budget and ensure the country is stepping up to support at a time when humanitarian needs are escalating.”
ENDS
Notes to editor
- Interviews with Action Against Hunger UK’s spokespeople available upon request. Contact Lucy or David on press@actionagainsthunger.org.uk or 0208293 6130 to arrange.
- Action Against Hunger is the world’s leading charity stopping life-threatening hunger in its tracks. By training parents and healthcare workers to spot the signs, we get life-saving care to people who need it. Action Against Hunger’s research drives forward understanding of how to predict, prevent and treat life-threatening hunger. With unbeatable knowledge and unstoppable determination, the charity supported more than 26 million people across 51 countries in 2021.
- For more information, please visit Action Against Hunger UK’s website or follow Action Against Hunger UK on Twitter and Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.