Friday, July 22, 2011

UN declares famine in Somalia

(July 21, 2011, Chanel4)- Tens of thousands of people have already died in Somalia as the UN declares an official famine. A key figure leading the African Union's efforts tells Channel 4 News "we'll be burying children soon".
 

It is hoped the famine declaration could signal to donors the need for more aid, as well as demonstrating to insurgents in the country that the international community is taking the population's suffering seriously.

In all, more than 10m people are affected by the drought across the Horn of Africa, including almost 3 million in Somalia. One in three children is suffering from malnutrition, the UN says.

Mark Bowden, humanitarian co-ordinator for Somalia, said southern Bakool and Lower Shabelle had been hit by the worst famine in the region in 20 years, and the situation could spread to all eight regions in the south.  Read more Read the full story at channel4 »

No comments:

Post a Comment