Addressing a special event on food and economic crises in post-conflict countries, he pointed out that the past two years, with rising food prices, have been especially hard for at least 20 countries coming out of conflict, including Burundi, the Central African Republic, Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone. Mr. Ban appealed for continued economic aid to such countries.
"Unfortunately, aid to post-conflict countries far too often tapers off prematurely and just when countries are in a better position to use it more effectively. Sustainable peace is the most important goal for aid. It makes no sense to abandon post-conflict countries in times of budget constraints."
The event in New York, which brought together key actors from the peacebuilding and food aid fields, is co-organized by the UN Economic and Social Council, the UN Peacebuilding Commission and the World Food Programme.
Bissera Kostova, UN Radio.
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