Special humanitarian envoy appeals for mitigation of drought impact

Nairobi--The United Nations Special Humanitarian Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Kjell Magne Bondevik, wrapped up his tour of the region in Nairobi today following a five-nation mission to Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya.

Mr Bondevik summed up his visit on an optimistic note saying the mission had some very positive outcomes.

In Eritrea, the government opened the door for renewed dialogue with the humanitarian community on issues that look to the future and with a clear agenda. In Djibouti, the government is working towards becoming self-reliant, and opening up its private sector and foreign investment potential.

Ethiopia and Kenya both emphasised the need for more attention to development assistance in pastoral areas, and the Government in Somalia has made access and security a priority to ensure the timely delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Taking into account the security costs involved in establishing a presence inside Somalia it is critical that the donor community provides flexible funding and invests in the operational capacity of NGOs operational in Somalia.” said Mr. Bondevik.

During his mission the Special Envoy made several visits to the field where he saw first-hand the impact of recurrent drought and livelihood insecurity that has directly threatened the lives of more than 8 million people, and placed more than 15 million at risk, especially pastoralists.

“Given the magnitude of livestock losses sustained during this crisis, full recovery will be a long process that will take years or even decades. Basic services like food, water, heath facilities, schools, roads and other infrastructure are desperately needed and must be a priority,” said Mr. Bondevik.

Governments must also prioritize long-term development solutions that reduce vulnerability to drought. This can be done by improving basic services and infrastructure, and addressing poverty and environmental degradation.

“There are more than 25 million pastoralists in the Horn of Africa who significantly contribute to the region’s economy. They should not be underestimated but instead recognised. Pastoralists need access to organised markets. Policies should focus on supporting their economic, social and political coping mechanisms.” he said.

Mr. Bondevik says he plans to return to the Region later this year to assess the progress made in relation to the humanitarian response and long-term development. In the meantime, he will visit donor capitals with the aim of encouraging them to contribute more funds to meet critical needs in the region.

In early April, the United Nations launched a regional appeal for the Horn of Africa requesting US $443 million to support the urgent needs of more than eight million people. To date, US $95 million has been committed.