Special Humanitarian Envoy: Let's work towards mitigating drought impact in the Horn

(Nairobi & New York: 2 May 2006): 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.

"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. I urged them to further open up its private sector and work on more foreign investment potential.

"Ethiopia and Kenya both emphasised the need for more attention to development assistance in pastoral areas. In Somalia it is important to make 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 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," noted 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. Basic services like food, water, heath facilities, schools, roads and other infrastructure are desperately needed and must be a priority."

"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 said that 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, especially for the long-term, 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.

For further information, please call: Kirsten Mildren, OCHA-Ethiopia who will accompany Mr. Bondevik to each location, +251 11 544 4162, +251 91 164 1031 (mobile), +88 216 4333 9018 (sat phone);Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570.