Swiss Funds of CHF 1.3 million to support Sri Lankan Children and Smallholder Farmers amid economic crisis

UNICEF and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have received the funding, aimed at meeting the urgent needs of children and rural farming communities impacted by the ongoing economic crisis.

UNICEF will use its share of the funds, CHF 500,000, to procure essential medical supplies, support education and case management for children facing violence, neglect and family separation, as well as support data collection and analysis to assess the impact of the crisis on households' social and economic well-being. UNICEF has issued an appeal for resources in 2023 to help 2.4 million most vulnerable children receive nutrition support, healthcare, clean drinking water, mental health services and continue learning. 

“UNICEF and partners swiftly responded to the needs of the most vulnerable children from the outset of the economic crisis last year, with thanks to the support of donors. This contribution from the Swiss government and people is crucial in sustaining the response and protecting children from the effects of the crisis as it continues”, said Christian Skoog, Representative, UNICEF Sri Lanka

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has also contributed CHF 800,000 (approximately US$ 802,000) to WFP to improve food security among rural farming communities affected by the economic crisis. Over 1,000 smallholder farmers across five drought-prone districts will receive LKR 50,000 each (approximately US$140) to access essential items, including food. The funding will also support recovery efforts and improve the livelihoods of communities vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Switzerland’s funding augments global efforts in support of WFP’s emergency operation in Sri Lanka. Nearly 1.8 million people have been reached to date with food and nutrition assistance, bringing WFP closer to its goal of reaching 3.4 million food-insecure people.

"Smallholder farmers form the backbone of our food systems but are among those hardest-hit by the economic crisis. This funding from Switzerland is timely and critical to assist these communities in meeting their immediate food needs, while helping to restore food security in the long term," said Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, Representative and Country Director, WFP Sri Lanka.

This contribution from the Swiss government demonstrates its commitment to supporting the people of Sri Lanka during this difficult time and the United Nations efforts to address the needs of children and strengthen food security in the face of the economic and climate crisis.