World Refugee Day (June 20) focuses attention on the millions of refugees around the globe who need humanitarian assistance as they wait and hope to return home. WFP food assistance – be it food vouchers or traditional food rations -- is a key part of the humanitarian support system for these families.
ROME – WFP last year provided food assistance to almost 10 million people who had been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in another country or in another part of their own country. Many of these people were women, who for long periods had to ensure their children had food, safety and shelter.
Here are three of them:
Um Raed
Syrian refugee in Jordan
Um Raed was part of a wave of refugees which left battle-torn Syria towards the end of 2012. She and her family faced the winter in Zaatari camp in Jordan, where life was hard but WFP rations kept them going through the cold months. Watch video
Carmen
Colombian refugee in Ecuador
Carmen and her family fled Colombia nine months ago to escape violence. Now living in a frontier town in Ecuador, they try to make a living by selling coconut juice on the street. WFP food vouchers are relieving some of the strain. Read story/see photos
Umjima Yacob
Sudanese refugee in South Sudan
Umjima and her children abandoned their village last year when bombs started falling. They are now living in a camp in South Sudan where they get WFP food rations. Her smallest children also received special nutritional products to ward off malnutrition. See photos