Question Period Note: Ethiopia - Diversion of Food Assistance

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About

Reference number:
00019-2023
Date received:
Jun 7, 2023
Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Name of Minister:
Sajjan, Harjit S. (Hon.)
Title of Minister:
Minister of International Development

Issue/Question:

Evidence of widespread diversion of food assistance in Ethiopia's Tigray region has led to the suspension of food aid in Tigray by the World Food Programme (WFP) and USAID.

Suggested Response:

• We strongly condemn the theft of food intended for crisis‑affected people in Ethiopia, where millions of people, including children, rely on this lifesaving assistance.

Background:

Independent investigations into the food diversion in Tigray, conducted by the US and the UN, have now been completed but neither report has yet been released. Further informal investigations by USAID staff in Ethiopia have indicated widespread food assistance diversion throughout Ethiopia.

Additional Information:

None