The Government of Japan has extended its financial support to Rwanda and the World Food Programme (WFP) through USD 1.2 million as a contribution to food assistance for asylum seekers and Rwandese returnees.
This collaboration with the World Food Programme exemplifies the concept of “solidarity” given the nature of the humanitarian situation in Rwanda, where food security has deteriorated due to an increase in the prices of goods such as food and fuel, and this has had a negative impact on asylum seekers and Rwandan returnees who rely heavily on WFP’s humanitarian food assistance.
Japan’s aid is based on the concept of “Human Security in the New Era,” as expressed in Japan’s Development Cooperation Charter, emphasising in particular “human-centred cooperation” and “solidarity” with various players.
The Japanese Diet promptly approved financial aid from the Japanese people to WFP to react to the urgent needs of asylum seekers and Rwandan returnees in kind through food assistance, with the goal of ensuring access to enough and nutritious meals.
According to the WFP Rwanda County Director, Andrea Bagnoli, Japan’s financial aid to Rwanda surpasses WFP’s current funding for helping refugees and asylum seekers meet their basic needs after fleeing from violence and insecurity.
The Embassy of Japan further expressed its support and said that through WFP, Japan will donate and address the needs of vulnerable people, such as asylum seekers and refugees, by providing food assistance, ensuring access to nutrition services, and increasing economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
The Japanese Embassy expressed its continued support, stating that Japan will donate to and address the needs of vulnerable people such as asylum seekers and refugees through WFP by providing food assistance, ensuring access to nutrition services, and expanding economic opportunities for both refugees and host communities.
The Japanese government also praised the government of Rwanda and the World Food Programme for their relentless efforts and dedication in responding to urgent humanitarian needs.
