Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan T.D. and Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Joe McHugh T.D. today (Monday) announced new funding of €11 million to assist people suffering as a result of famine, drought and conflict in the Horn of Africa, specifically in South Sudan, Somalia and Sudan.
This funding initiative is in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region. It will be focused on the three countries severely affected by the current humanitarian crisis.
Minister Flanagan said:
"Last month, famine was declared in parts of South Sudan with 100,000 people at risk of starvation and death. Over a quarter of a million children are severely malnourished and at risk of dying from hunger and malnutrition. The situation is forecast to worse. in the coming months with 5 million people in need of food, almost 1 million of them on the brink of famine.
"The situation is also serious in Somalia. A famine warning has been issued by the United Nations for Somalia with almost 3 million people facing crisis levels of food insecurity, more than double the number six months ago. 363,000 acutely malnourished children need urgent treatment and nutrition support. In Sudan, 3 million people in are facing food insecurity at crisis levels, particularly in Darfur, and among displaced persons and refugees in the country.
"I am extremely concerned about the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa. A massive and urgent scale up of humanitarian assistance in South Sudan and Somalia is required now to avoid a catastrophe. We must not wait until people are dying from hunger. We must act now. I am determined that Ireland will play its part by responding quickly to alleviate suffering and save lives."
Ireland will provide €3million to each of the UN Humanitarian Pooled Funds in Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. It will be used to provide life saving assistance through UN and NGO partners, based on the needs of vulnerable people facing conflict, forced to leave their homes, and with insufficient food to feed their families.
Minister Flanagan added:
"The best way for Ireland to deliver its assistance to those in need is through our trusted partners who have a presence in these three countries, in particular the UN. Decisions on exactly what type of assistance is provided will be made locally depending on the needs in each country. It is essential that all parties to the conflict allow unhindered access to all communities in urgent need of assistance".
Given the severity of the current situation for children in South Sudan, €1 million will be provided to UNICEF work in South Sudan, with a particular focus on treating acute malnutrition.
Minister McHugh stated:
"We cannot ignore the suffering of children in South Sudan. We must act now to provide vital nutritional support to children on the brink of famine.
"Many of these children have been forced from their homes with South Sudan now causing the largest refugee crisis in Africa. Over 1.5 million South Sudanese refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, 80% of whom are women and children. We are also providing an additional €1 million to UNHCR to address these immediate needs and alleviate their suffering.
"Ireland will continue to work with its EU and UN partners to ensure that the international community step up to its obligations to prevent further deaths from famine across the Horn of Africa. We must ensure that we turn this tide of human suffering."