‘Nine in 10 Syrians below the poverty line as millions face cuts in food aid’

The 12-year conflict in Syria has pushed 90% of its population below the poverty line and millions face cuts in food aid next month because of a funding shortfall, the UN’s humanitarian chief said (Hassan Ammar/AP)

The 12-year conflict in Syria has pushed 90% of its population below the poverty line and millions face cuts in food aid next month because of a funding shortfall, the UN’s humanitarian chief said.

Martin Griffiths said the £4.3 billion UN humanitarian appeal for Syria – the world’s largest – is only 12% funded, meaning emergency food aid for millions of Syrians could be cut by 40% in July.