The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is remembering journalist Kenji Goto as a great ally in the fight against hunger. Goto was murdered by the terrorist group ISIS.
WFP’s director, Ertharin Cousin, spoke of Goto’s intrepid coverage of the hunger facing Syrians. Cousin said Goto’s story of WFP aired on a TV show in Japan. This helped educate the public and mobilize tremendous support for humanitarian aid.
Goto extensively covered WFP operations, which feed millions of Syrian refugees. Cousin said today,
Staff who were lucky enough to work closely with him testify that Kenji was a truly exceptional journalist and a true humanitarian. He would ask ahead of time what gifts he could bring to the children in the camps and in spite of tight schedules, he would always give the refugees he visited the time and the space to mourn as he listened to their stories of the crises they survived.”
The civil war in Syria, now in its 4th year, has caused one of the largest hunger emergencies ever. WFP, which relies on voluntary donations, has struggled to maintain funding for this mission.
Media coverage is crucial for WFP to keep hunger in the news. These stories make people aware of hunger, even those thousands of miles away. Goto helped accomplish this with his exceptional journalism.
The war continues and more food for the hungry is needed. To continue Goto’s dedication to Syria’s people, Japan’s prime minister said they will increase humanitarian aid to war victims.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) is remembering journalist Kenji Goto as a great ally in the fight against hunger.
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Author William Lambers 