SOMALIA: International Draught Relief Efforts
We have contracted several agencies in the United Nations system, countless number of NGOs, ICRC and many governments in the West and the Arab World. We will occasionally publish selected email responses from our current campaign to inform the world about the plight of the starving Somali people in Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti and in Western Somalia (Ogaden) occupied by the Ethiopia.
Below is an email we received from the UNDP Somalia office in Nairobi. The email summarizes the food crisis emergency relief efforts by the UN system and some other international humanitarian agencies.
1.  There is now a common understanding of the magnitude of the crisis. The already dire humanitarian situation is now further aggravated by the worst drought in Somalia in a decade. Approximately 1.9 million people are in need of urgent assistance and protection, including up to 400 000 IDPs. The Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) of FAO further estimates that about 240,000 people are at high risk of falling into a state of Acute Food an Livelihood Crisis. Hence, the number of people in a state of livelihood crisis and humanitarian emergency has almost tripled (more than 500,000 people identified in the Post 2005 Gu survey and now almost 1.5 million people) . More than 600′000 people - some of whom were already in a state of humanitarian emergency - in Gedo, Middle and Lower Juba and areas of Bay and Bakool face a moderate risk of famine. FSAU reports total crop failure in 6 Southern regions and livestock loss up to 80% in some districts in Gedo.
2.  The crisis will require a multi sectoral response since we are facing an exacerbated food security, water, health and protection crisis.
3.  On-going activities: ICRC is involved in water supply and de stocking of livestock, UNICEF active on water, nutrition and immunization and WFP on the food pipeline which is expected to be fully operational as from mid February.
4.  The PM has stated that the TFG is now speaking with one voice. An emergency relief Committee chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister was set up to coordinate the response. The PM emphasized the political impact of the response to the crisis mentioning that a timely and effective response would enhance ongoing reconciliation and reinforce the credibility of the TFG and the aid community.
5.  OCHA has requested support from the TFG to improve access for humanitarian assistance and protection to populations mainly in the Central South region. An MOU of cooperation has been signed between the Humanitarian Coordinator and the PM. The TFG has then been requested to support the dissemination of this MOU at the local level.
6.  A weekly newsletter- capturing intervention and gaps- is prepared by OCHA and shared with partners.