ROME - A ship chartered by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) carrying more than 1000 metric tons of wheat, at the request of the Red Crescent in eastern Libya, to the Libyan port of Benghazi, has returned to port in Malta today without unloading its cargo due to security concerns.

“We urgently call for safe humanitarian access to Libya,” said WFP Executive Director, Josette Sheeran. “This shows the scale of the challenge we face, especially if there is a need to ramp up food and other assistance in Libya. ”

Aerial bombardments have been reported outside the port city of Benghazi, and owners of cargo vessels are reluctant to send their ships into areas where crew members could be endangered or assets damaged.

“We are exploring every possible humanitarian corridor to be prepared in case needs escalate,” Sheeran added. “We have already airlifted high energy biscuits to the Tunisian border and we are in the process of pre-positioning wheat flour in the same area. Our teams are looking at options to build contingency plans and ensure that those who may need food assistance - especially women and children - do not go hungry.”

WFP is launching a three month regional operation costing US$39.2 million to provide food assistance inside Libya, to populations that have crossed into Tunisia and Egypt, as well as to communities that are feeling the wider economic impact of civil unrest over recent months.