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United Nations

European Union Reaffirms Commitment to Sahrawi Refugees in Algeria

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to Sahrawi refugees in Algeria through sustained funding for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), enabling the delivery of vital food assistance to over 133,000 vulnerable people each month. This multi-year partnership provides €5 million annually to address one of the world's most protracted refugee crises. In the remote desert camps near Tindouf, WFP's assistance remains a lifeline, with over 80% of the population relying entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has committed €5 million annually to support the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in addressing the Sahrawi refugee crisis in Algeria.
  • The partnership has been in place for over two years, providing vital food assistance to over 133,000 vulnerable people each month.
  • WFP has been working with the Algerian Red Crescent to distribute monthly food rations tailored to nutritional needs, while prioritizing programmes such as Social Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives.
  • In 2024, WFP provided nearly 19,000 metric tons of food and reached 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women with monthly cash-based transfers to improve dietary diversity and reduce the risk of anaemia.
  • The European Union has been a cornerstone donor for WFP's operations in Algeria, contributing €102 million (US$123.4 million) since 2003.
  • WFP has supported the Sahrawi refugees in Algeria since 1986 and works in collaboration with national and international organizations to ensure food assistance reaches the people for whom it is intended.
  • The partnership underscores a shared commitment to ensure Sahrawi refugees are not forgotten, despite persisting needs and waning global attention.

Statistics:

  • €5 million annually provided by the European Union to support Sahrawi refugees in Algeria.
  • Over 133,000 vulnerable people receive vital food assistance each month.
  • 80% of the Sahrawi refugee population relies entirely on humanitarian aid to meet their basic food needs.
  • 19,000 metric tons of food provided by WFP in 2024.
  • 8,600 pregnant and breastfeeding women reached with monthly cash-based transfers in 2024.
  • €102 million (US$123.4 million) contributed by the European Union to WFP's operations in Algeria since 2003.
  • 1986: WFP begins supporting Sahrawi refugees in Algeria.
  • 2024: WFP provides specialist nutritious food to prevent and treat moderate acute malnutrition among children under five.

Sources:

  • "The United Nations World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies, building prosperity and supporting a sustainable future for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change." (Source: World Food Programme)
  • "MIL OSI United Nations News (http://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/) - Copyright 2025 Multimedia Investments Ltd, distributed by Contify.com" (Source: World Food Programme)

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