Charities in Syria to lay off WFP employees 

The World Food Program (WFP) distributes food aid to those in need in Raqqa Governorate, north Syria - North Press
The World Food Program (WFP) distributes food aid to those in need in Raqqa Governorate, north Syria - North Press WFP is working with partner organizations to distribute food to the most vulnerable and ensure that families are aware of COVID-19 and how they can stay safe. Food distribution times are now staggered to reduce crowds, food is placed in small piles at least 1 meter apart, staff and beneficiaries have access to hand sanitizer and all beneficiaries are required to maintain social distancing while collecting their food. In the Photo: WFP and UNICEF began distributing bars of soap (provided by UNICEF) along with WFPÕs monthly general food distribution to help families to stay healthy during COVID19. Close to 4.7 million people will receive this soap, that was distributed by WFP. Photo: WFP/Khudr Alissa

Aleppo, Syria (North Press) – A source from Union of Charities in Syria said on Sunday that the charities are studding the layoff of a number of employees who work within relief departments following the announcement of the World Food Program (WFP) to end its primary aid program in Syria.

Charities are affiliated with the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, however, they do not receive any financial or logistic support from the ministry, except facilitating their work. 

The UN did not announce any fund to fill the gap created by the termination of the WFP program, thus the charities will not be able to keep stuff, the source told North Press.

The current study tries to address filling the vacancies within other departments still operating in the charities, including medical, psychological and societal departments.

About 2,000,400 families benefit from the WFP program. In addition, poor families that do not have supporters or sources of income in poor neighborhoods benefit from soup kitchens, according to the source.

More than 200 employees will lose their jobs, amid difficult economic conditions that Syria go through, as most of monthly salaries do not exceed 400,000 SYP (about $30).

On Dec. 4, the WFP has announced that it will end its primary aid program in Syria in January 2024 due to lack of funding.

An official in the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) said the WFP termination of its aid program in Syria will have consequences on the humanitarian situation.

For its part, the Syrian government expressed dissatisfaction with the WFP decision, deeming the step as “politicized” and aimed to “pressure” the Syrian people.

Major humanitarian organizations, including the WFP, had initially intensified their support for Syrians when the uprising turned into a civil war in 2011. However, shrinking budgets have hindered their efforts. In addition, the recent Hamas-Israel conflict has diverted attention and resources away from Syria.

Although major fighting in Syria has abated, the country’s humanitarian crisis continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by the Syrian pound’s record low against the U.S. dollar.

By Ardo Juweid