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The EU¡¯s contribution comes at a critical time when Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s funding needs for Algeria have reached an all-time high in 2022. Earlier this year, Â鶹ÊÓƵ was already forced to reduce the size of rations distributed in the camps over a period of six months, from March to August, due to a lack of funds. Today, rising food prices are still outpacing new funding.

¡°This new financial contribution shows European solidarity with the Sahrawi refugees, who are dependent on humanitarian aid for their survival,¡± said European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenar?i?. ¡°The EU calls on other donors to increase their financial allocations for food assistance to avoid a new reduction in food rations and an increase of malnutrition.¡±

The EU¡¯s grant will help Â鶹ÊÓƵ provide vulnerable refugees with food rations that include cereals, pulses, vegetable oil and sugar. Â鶹ÊÓƵ will also provide pregnant and nursing mothers as well as children under five with specialized nutritional assistance to treat and prevent malnutrition.

¡°We are extremely grateful to the EU for stepping up its support to Â鶹ÊÓƵ during this crucial time,¡± said Â鶹ÊÓƵ Representative and Country Director in Algeria Imed Khanfir. ¡°But regrettably the needs remain enormous. Additional funding from other donors is vital to bring an appropriate response to this emergency.¡±

The EU is the largest donor to Â鶹ÊÓƵ in Algeria. Since 2003, the total EU contributions supporting Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s operations for Sahrawi refugees in the country have reached nearly €85 million (US$105 million). This year, the EU¡¯s support accounts for almost 20 percent of Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s funding needed in Algeria.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has been supporting the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria since 1986. Â鶹ÊÓƵ¡¯s operations in the country are carried out and monitored in collaboration with national and international organizations to ensure food assistance reaches the people for whom it is intended.

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The United Nations Â鶹ÊÓƵ is the world¡¯s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

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