Ukraine war worsens deteriorating global food security: India
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New York: The deterioration in global food security is being worsened by the continuing chaotic Ukraine war situation, and India remains concerned. On Tuesday, it expressed the same as the Ukraine war entered its tenth month, Asian News International reported.
India's Deputy Permanent Representative Ambassador Ravindra told the UN General Assembly about the said concerns on the topic of "Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance".
In a joint statement issued by India and Sweden, Ravindra said that both countries are concerned by the deterioration of global food security, which has been exacerbated by the Ukraine war.
He said that both nations fully support the Black Sea Grain Initiative and welcome its extension by 120 days, as announced on November 17. This means that the export of Ukrainian grain, foodstuffs and fertiliser can continue from the Black Sea ports, the ambassador said.
Further, he said that India had shipped 1.8 million-plus tons of wheat to countries such as Afghanistan and Myanmar, aiding the nations in fighting inflation and food shortage. He said that this humanitarian system shared by the global countries must prevail, and 2023 must not be the year that breaks the system. "This is a shared responsibility," ANI quoted Ravindra.
The UN and partner organisations estimated last week that the humanitarian response going into 2023 is USD 51.5 billion, which is a 25 per cent increase by 2022 begging. 2023 will also set the record on humanitarian relief requirements that 339 million people are in need of assistance in 69 countries, which is an increase of 65 million people compared to 2022.
Ravindra said that conflicts and tensions across the world had triggered unprecedented challenges to global food and energy security. This was, in addition, to the Covid-19 pandemic, natural disasters such as floods and climate change, which exacerbate humanitarian emergencies, he said.
He said that the 2023 Global Humanitarian Overview demands USD 51.5 billion to bring life-saving support to 230 million of the most vulnerable people.
"This is a formidable challenge for the entire international community, and one we cannot afford to downplay," ANI quoted him.
Later, he pointed out the violence against humanitarian workers in armed conflicts. Also, the a continuous shortfall in financing humanitarian appeals.
