Urgent need for emergency relief in Somalia

‘Three years after the last famine in Somalia, another hunger crisis is looming. According to the UN, one million people are in urgent need of emergency response. The Norwegian Government is therefore increasing its humanitarian support for Somalia by NOK 35 million,’ said Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

On 24 September, Mr Brende attended a high-level meeting on Somalia in New York, which was organised by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. According to the UN, the food security situation in Somalia is critical. The UN is now calling for additional assistance to meet the acute need for food, water, medical supplies, shelter, and emergency education. So far, the UN’s humanitarian appeal for Somalia has been met with only 34 per cent of the requested USD 933 million. 

‘The situation in Somalia is critical, and without sufficient response, it could develop into a new, humanitarian crisis. Many families have fled their homes because of the conflict. In many areas, people in need lack access to humanitarian assistance,’ said Mr Brende.

In addition to the nearly one million people in need of emergency relief, 2.1 million people are barely able to meet their food needs. Children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, especially those who are among the 1.1 million internally displaced. More than 200 000 children under five are suffering from serious undernourishment, and it is estimated that 43 000 are in urgent need of specialist help in order to survive. 

The additional Norwegian funding to Somalia will be channelled to organisations that are taking part in the UN appeal, and to the Red Cross/Red Crescent.