I propose to take Questions Nos. 269 and 288 together.
The UN estimates that, in 2021, 235 million people need humanitarian assistance and protection, equivalent to one in 33 people worldwide. Over 155 million people experienced acute food insecurity at crisis levels, or worse, an increase of around 20 million people from the previous year,
Women and children are particularly affected by hunger and food insecurity. Nearly half of all deaths in children under age five are attributable to undernutrition. In 2019, 21 per cent of all children under age five (144 million) were stunted and 49.5 million children experienced wasting. Women and girls represent more than 70 per cent of people facing chronic hunger. They are more likely to reduce their meal intake in times of food scarcity and may be pushed to engage in negative coping mechanisms, such as transactional sex and child, early and forced marriage.
Conflict is the main cause of acute hunger; 70 per cent of the top 20 countries at risk of food insecurity are in fragile and conflict-affected situations. Economic shocks, many caused by COVID-19, and extreme weather events, associated with climate change have also contributed significantly to increasing levels of hunger, and the particular vulnerability of women and children.
The UN and partner organizations aim to assist 160 million people most in need across 56 countries in 2021 and require a total of $35 billion to do so.
Through the Irish Aid programme, Ireland works with partners, including the EU, the UN, the Red Cross and NGOs to save lives and protect the dignity of people affected by crises. In 2019, Ireland provided humanitarian assistance in the amount of €185 million. Our assistance focuses on reaching the furthest behind. It includes a three-year strategic partnership with the International Rescue Committee to address Gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies, and to support the empowerment of women and girls in humanitarian crises, with a budget of €4.5 million.