A United Nations human rights expert today called on the international
community to step up efforts to address the impact of the devastating
drought in Somalia, warning that the country is on the brink of a
humanitarian disaster if action is not taken immediately.
Shamsul Bari, the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights
in Somalia, noted in a
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release that the ongoing drought response is far from meeting the
needs of the affected population in terms of access to food, clean
water and health.
"The drought situation in the country and the slow international
response is extremely serious and may lead to a natural and human
disaster," said Mr. Bari, who visited Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti last
month.
"I strongly urge the international community, including the UN, to
take immediate and concerted measures to address the dire humanitarian
crisis that affects all human rights of the vulnerable Somali
population, including women, children and the elderly as well as the
internally displaced people (IDP) and minorities," he said.
The drought is exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in
Somalia, where civilians have been caught up in the fighting pitting
forces of the country's transitional government, who are backed by
African Union peacekeepers, against insurgents of the Al-Shabaab armed
group and other militants.
Mr. Bari warned that "the drought is now a cause for displacement in
Somalia, in addition to conflict," and expressed his deep concerns
over its effect on the life of the population in many regions of
Somalia.
"It was with shock and great sadness that during my recent field visit
to Mogadishu, Puntland and Somaliland I learnt from local authorities
and civil society from the various parts of Somalia that the drought
affected population has sought assistance closer to urban areas, such
as Mogadishu, where the ongoing fighting presents increased risk for
the civilian population."
Last month UN humanitarian chief Valerie Amos had warned that severe
drought in Somalia had led to more people becoming internally
displaced and others moving into refugee camps across the border in
Kenya, as food and water scarcity worsen.
"People are moving due to the deteriorating living conditions and a
lack of a way to make a living. Families are said to be selling their
assets, including houses and land, to get by and to facilitate their
movement to the refugee camps in Kenya," she told reporters following
a visit to the country.
An estimated 2.4 million people – 32 per cent of the country's 7.2
million people – are in need of relief aid as a result of drought and
two decades of conflict.
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