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FAO Representative: Middle East Crises Led to Radical Change in Food Security

Parts of a bulldozer are seen at a farm in the town of Basheeqa, Iraq, February 8, 2017. (Reuters)
Parts of a bulldozer are seen at a farm in the town of Basheeqa, Iraq, February 8, 2017. (Reuters)
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FAO Representative: Middle East Crises Led to Radical Change in Food Security

Parts of a bulldozer are seen at a farm in the town of Basheeqa, Iraq, February 8, 2017. (Reuters)
Parts of a bulldozer are seen at a farm in the town of Basheeqa, Iraq, February 8, 2017. (Reuters)

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations warned that the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East will exacerbate rates of hunger in the region, saying that more than 40 million people are suffering.

It therefore called for more efforts to eliminate hunger and end conflicts in order to achieve development.

On the margins of the FAO’s release of a report on the “regional general view of food safety and nutrition in the Near East and North Africa for 2017”, Asharq Al-Awsat sat with Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Near East and North Africa, Abdessalam Ould Ahmed to discuss the current situation in the region and its prospects for the future.

He stressed that conflicts in the region are the primary reason for the deterioration of food safety standards, noting that hunger rates in war-torn countries have reached 27.2 percent.

There is a pressing need to provide humanitarian aid to people in areas of conflict, he stressed. For the FAO, this means supporting farmers to withstand the negative repercussions of crises, wars and violence. This also demands that countries be assisted in preparing for the post-war period, including reconstruction.

In addressing countries facing crises, such as Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya, even Palestine, the FAO first seeks to provide support to small farmers by supplying them with seeds and fertilizers, Ould Ahmed said.

It also focuses on backing them through projects, such as providing financial aid in exchange for work or providing financial assistance to maintain their equipment. The organization also helps farmers with infrastructure needs, such as irrigation networks and protecting cattle.

FAO also plays a role in tackling reconstruction efforts in collaboration and setting the bases for sustainable development through policies and plans that are discussed with various countries, he explained.

Moreover, he highlighted the need to restrict wasted food, which is very high in Arab countries.

“This is unacceptable,” he declared, stressing the need for governments and societies to exert efforts to improve this situation.

“My main message is that conflicts are the main reason behind the deterioration of food security. Three-fourths of people suffering from hunger live in conflict zones,” Ould Ahmed stated.

The repercussions of the conflicts are not limited to food security, but they have led to migration and displacement problems, which are issues that need a long time to be resolved, he warned.

The crises have also forced regional countries to spend huge amounts of money on countering terrorism and waging battles. These funds should be dedicated to development and preparing for the future, he stressed.

All attention is now focused on war, violence and conflicts, while vital issues, such as water security, climate change, youth unemployment and levels of health and education, are being neglected, he lamented.

“The truth is, this is a major wasted opportunity,” he said.

“Collective efforts are a necessity because no country in the region can single-handedly end its own crisis,” Ould Ahmed added.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.