The military crisis surrounding Iran could have serious global consequences: according to UN estimates, millions of people are at risk of falling below the poverty line due to rising energy and food prices.
The conflict over Iran threatens to plunge more than 30 million people in 160 countries into poverty. This was stated to AFP by Alexander De Croo, the administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"We conducted a study following six weeks of war, and according to our estimates, even if the war ends right now, 32 million people in 160 countries will find themselves in poverty," he said. According to UNDP, the issue of poverty amid the conflict over Iran and the resulting energy crisis will particularly affect countries in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as some Asian countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia.
The programme estimates that at least $6 billion in subsidies for energy and food is needed to prevent the worsening of the poverty situation.
Even with a swift end to the conflict, its economic consequences are already impacting dozens of countries. Without urgent financial support, the most vulnerable regions may face a sharp rise in poverty and social instability, writes bb.lv.
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