Horn of Africa: UN Secretary-General's Special Humanitarian Envoy calls on donors for more resources for humanitarian assistance

Asmara, 26 April 2006 - "There is a need for more effective dialogue and enhanced cooperation on humanitarian and long-term food security issues between the Government and international community, including donors, UN agencies and NGO partners", United Nations Secretary-General's Special Humanitarian Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik noted today as he wrapped up his one-day mission to the country. "This mission can be seen as an opening for further dialogue on how best to deliver humanitarian assistance and support government's efforts in ensuring long-term solutions to food security challenges in Eritrea for the future" he added.
Mr. Bondevik said "my task is to play a coordinating role between all stakeholders and encourage Governments of this region to link humanitarian relief assistance to long-term development aimed at improving food security". He said he would advocate for increased funding to the regional appeal for the drought crisis in the Horn of Africa, which was launched on 7 April 2006 in Geneva and Nairobi with an overall requirement of US $426 million to assist more than 8 million vulnerable people.

During his meeting with President Isaias Afwerki, the Special Humanitarian Envoy commended the Government's effort in effectively implementing the return and rehabilitation of tens of thousands of IDPs. Mr. Bondevik further commended the Government's progress on some of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and its determination to achieve self-reliance.

The Special Humanitarian Envoy underlined that the UN was firmly committed to assisting the Government of Eritrea and that he would "concentrate on securing the necessary resources for immediate humanitarian needs and long-term food security interventions in support of government initiatives and plans to tackle this challenge.

He appealed to the donor community to remain optimistic in this critical juncture and make necessary efforts to mobilise more resources by raising the awareness of their respective headquarters on the ongoing humanitarian needs in the Horn of Africa."

While in Eritrea, Mr. Bondevik discussed the humanitarian situation and recovery efforts with President Isaias Afwerki; Minister Woldai Futur of the Ministry of National Development; Minister Askalu Menkerios of the Ministry of Labour and Human Welfare; the UN Country Team; representatives of the donor community; and non-governmental organizations.

For further information, please contact:

UN-OCHA Asmara, Eritrea, Tel.: (291-1) 151666, Fax: 291 -1 151999