KABUL, 19 January 2022, (TON):  The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Iran has welcomed the UK’s first-ever contribution from the United Kingdom in support of vulnerable refugees from Afghanistan.

The £1 million contribution through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will allow WFP to preposition assistance for potential new arrivals from Afghanistan with ready-to eat meals and other rations, the WFP said in a statement.

It also gives WFP the flexibility to channel part of the contribution towards supporting 31,000 refugees who have already been living in 20 settlements across the country, helping to stabilize their food security situation and avoid any further population movements.

This allocation will enhance WFP’s life-saving mission, allowing WFP to quickly respond to any increased additional needs through a combination of cash and direct food assistance.

WFP Representative and Country Director in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Negar Gerami said “we’re extremely grateful to the FCDO for this generous contribution and its support to our operations in Iran.”

Simon Shercliff, the UK Ambassador to Iran said “we are pleased to help Iran support the large numbers of Afghan refugees who have chosen to leave Afghanistan.