Music and Care on World Food Day 2009

Despite overall good prospects for global cereal production in 2009, resulting in lower food price in international market, the situation is not shared by developing countries. According to FAO reports, arms conflicts have seriously affected cereal production in developing countries. Demand for food import in neighboring countries is high. Devaluation of national currencies, unstable trade policies and inefficient transportation have all contributed to a still soaring food price in the developing world.

UNHCR points out that high food prizes have weakened the agency’s capacity to purchase food aid. Currently, more then 80% refugees in the world are undernourished and have developed symptoms of anemia.

May Kwong, guest artist who attends the World Food Day Commemoration 2009 organized by UNCHR HK Office, appeals to the public for more support to the work of the UNCHR. “In Africa, El Nino threatened Kenya with two years’ drought. It was then followed by floods. Armed conflicts in Sudan and Somalia have displaced huge number of people. They crossed borders to reach Kenya for a safe refuge there. There are now 380,000 people of concern for UNHCR in this area, who finds resources extremely scare to carry out its work,” said May.

“There is abundant food in Hong Kong. But the world faces a food crisis. In every 6 seconds, a child dies due to malnutrition.* I can imagine how sad it is for a mother to witness her child die of hunger.” Fanny Cheng, another supporter who performed in the event, expressed her feeling as a mother.

UNHCR has developed work plans to reduce malnutrition among refugees to 5% by 2012, as well as to provide special support for women and children with specific nutritional needs.

*Source: FAO news release, 19 June 2009, The State of Food Insecurity in the World, FAO, 2006,State of Food Insecurity in the World, FAO, 2004)

Donation Hotline: 2388 3278
Donation A/C : HSBC 502-393333-001
Donation by cheque: Please make cheque payable to "UNHCR" and mail to 1/F, Eaton House, 380 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the following friends/organizations for their support to World Food Day 2009 :
Andrew Ying, Barry Chung, Bethan Davies, Cheng Ming Magazine, CyberCTM (Macau SAR), discuss.com.hk, Enoch Lo, Fanny Cheng, HD-DC.com, Helen Mottee, imotor, Jetso Market, Jim Ling, May Kwong, NowCyber.com, PC Station, Philippines Star HK Edition, Qooza.com, Sharings African Drumming Arena, she.com, Smartie Production Company, Telford Plaza, TVB Weekly & X-life Magazine.