UK charity Christian Aid is urging the UK Government to act following new data showing devastating levels of hunger and starvation across the world.
The report from the World Food Programme suggests that starvation is on the rise, and warns that urgent humanitarian action is needed in 20 places across the globe.
It’s believed that the devastating rise in hunger is linked to conflict, the climate crisis, economic crisis and a lack of humanitarian access, the charity suggests.
The list includes Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen.
Christian Aid has launched an appeal in order to deliver food and support to those affected.
Fionna Smyth, Head of Global Advocacy and Policy at Christian Aid, said: “It is near impossible to imagine what it must be like to wake up each day in desperate need of food and clean water to survive. But this report shows this is the reality for more vulnerable people around the world each day.
“In some of the countries Christian Aid works in, such as South Sudan and Afghanistan, the pandemic has crippled health systems and people’s ability to earn a living or grow food. Disproportionately so, it is women and children increasingly at risk.
“Just when the world’s most vulnerable need help the most, the UK Government has walked away from the world stage and its moral responsibility to help. UK aid cuts have meant vital funding from crucial lifesaving programmes has been pulled.
“With lives on the line, the UK Government must play a full part in funding the $7 billion package needed to prevent famine globally. UK Ministers must also issue clear guidance, in line with the UN Security Council ruling, for UK aid agencies and banks to ensure aid gets to those in need in Afghanistan.”