Global food insecurity is at record level. By the end of last year, nearly 193 million people were experiencing crisis levels of food insecurity, an increase of almost 40 million over the previous record in 2020.
This situation has continued to worsen in 2022. The Russian invasion of Ukraine, including its effective blockade on shipping from Ukraine's Black Sea ports, has restricted access to wheat and fertilizers. This has had an upward pressure on global food prices, exacerbating the precarious situation of vulnerable people particularly in countries experiencing ongoing humanitarian crises.
The United Nation’s outlook for June to September 2022 identified 20 hunger hotspots where lives and livelihoods are at risk and urgent humanitarian action is a priority. These hotspots, with the exception of Afghanistan and Haiti, are all in Africa and the Middle East. In six of these countries – Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen – there is a real and terrifying prospect of starvation and death.
The United Nations reports that its humanitarian appeals are significantly underfunded, at 18.2% of estimated resource requirement. That said, the amount of funding given in response to these appeals significantly higher in absolute terms than at this point in previous years.
There is a collective responsibility to act and Ireland is leading by example. Through our range of experienced and trusted partners, including UN agencies, the Red Cross family and NGOs, the Irish Aid programme is supporting responses across the globe, with a strong focus on the 20 hunger hotspots. The Irish Aid allocation for humanitarian action this year, at €113 million, is substantially higher than last year, and is likely to increase further before year end in response to these emerging needs. Separately, and to help address the underlying causes of food insecurity, Ireland has pledged to invest €800 million by 2027 in improving global food and nutrition systems.
As the informal focal point on Conflict and Hunger on the United Nations Security Council, Ireland is consistent advocate for urgent attention and action on global food insecurity. We are also a strong voice at the EU on collective action.
The Grand Bargain Annual High Level Meeting will take place on 30 June and 1 July in Geneva. This will bring together 64 donor signatories, UN agencies, the Red Cross family and NGOs. While this is not a pledging conference, it is a timely opportunity for key humanitarian actors to discuss and agree on the collective actions necessary to respond to rising global hunger. Ireland will use this important opportunity to advocate for an urgent, scaled-up response that targets those most in need.
