Finland to provide humanitarian assistance to rapidly deepening crises

The decisions on humanitarian assistance made by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in the latter part of 2024 prioritise Ukraine, major refugee crises in Africa, the humanitarian situation in the Middle East and support for school meals. The amount of humanitarian assistance now granted totals EUR 41.2 million.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has caused a serious humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. This winter will be difficult, and the humanitarian situation is expected to deteriorate especially in the front line. Ukraine remains the main recipient of Finland’s humanitarian assistance, with a total of EUR 8.5 million being allocated to the country from the budget item Humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Assistance to Ukraine will be channelled through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). In addition, EUR 500,000 will be allocated to support the World Food Programme’s (WFP) school meals programme in Ukraine.

In Africa, the conflict in Sudan has led to the largest migration crisis facing the world today. Over half of the country’s population suffer from acute food insecurity. The conflict in Sudan also has major regional impacts. The escalation of the conflict in Lebanon in October has led to a rapid deterioration of the country’s humanitarian situation. In a short time, more than one million people have been forced to abandon their homes. Finland will support the UNHCR’s regional operation in Sudan and its neighbouring countries by EUR 6 million and the WFP’s operation in Sudan by EUR 4.7 million. Finland will also support the ICRC’s operation in Lebanon by EUR 3 million.

In addition, Finland will allocate a total of EUR 14 million to the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes and Sahel regions, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gaza and to helping Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Humanitarian assistance will also be granted for the development of the WFP’s school meals activities and to support school meals. A total of EUR 5 million will be allocated for school meals programmes in Burundi, Yemen, Kenya, Liberia, Myanmar, Zambia and Syria. School meal programmes play a key role in strengthening food security.

“By supporting school meals in developing countries, we are investing in the future of children. A nutritious meal promotes learning, health and children's school education. Small-scale support can achieve major societal changes,” says Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio.