World Food Programme

WFP in coordination with UNHCR implementing a Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) to support vulnerable refugees in the camps in Tindouf. The current project will end in 31 August and a new PRRO will begin September 1, providing General Food Distribution, a monthly ration of cereals, pulses, vegetable oil, and sugar to the most vulnerable. In order to address serious problems of chronic malnutrition and anaemia among the beneficiary caseload, supplementary rations and being provided to women of child bearing age, malnourished children under 5 years and school children.

WFP has assisted the Government of Algeria since 1986 in meeting the basic food needs of Western Saharan refugees living in desert camps near Tindouf. To date, WFP assistance totals over US$153 million, including the current PRRO 10172.1 valued at US$43 million. The refugees are dependent on external aid, as the majority of households have no other means of fulfilling their food requirements or procuring fresh food.

The Algerian Red Crescent is the implementing partner of WFP and UNHCR and receives WFP food shipments at the port of Oran. From there, commodities are transported to Rabbouni, near Tindouf, and later on to the refugee camps.

Donors who support the WFP food assistance programme: Austria, Canada, Denmark, EEC ECHO, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and USA.