Special humanitarian envoy for the Horn of Africa concludes his visit in Eritrea

Asmara, Wednesday, 18 October 2006 - The UN Secretary General's Special Humanitarian Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik, completed his five day visit to Eritrea today. On his way to the Horn region, the Special Envoy travelled to Rome where he held discussions with WFP, FAO and IFAD.

In Asmara, the Special Envoy met with President Isayas Afwerki, other senior government officials, the UNCT, NGOs, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the donor community. The aim of the visit was to assess the overall humanitarian situation and follow up on issues raised during his previous mission in April 2006. Mr. Bondevik also undertook a field trip to Debub region in southern Eritrea to see first hand some of the government's food security initiatives.

Mr. Bondevik stressed the need for stronger links between humanitarian assistance and long-term interventions aimed at addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity. He provided an update on his efforts to raise awareness and mobilise resources from the international community to address the twin challenge of recurrent drought and chronic food insecurity.

In his discussions with government authorities and the wider humanitarian community, the Special Envoy underlined the importance of dialogue and clear communication among all partners. Agreement was reached to conduct a joint workshop to discuss the operational aspects of the government's food security strategy, including their cash for work policy.

With two consecutive good rainy seasons in the highlands, Eritrea expects that the food security situation in the country will soon improve. At present, however, malnutrition rates remain high in some regions due to the extended impact of four consecutive years of drought.

During his field trip to Debub region, Mr. Bondevik visited water catchement projects aimed at increasing agricultural production and enhancing food security.

During his visit Mr. Bondevik also underlined the importance of the overall regional developments on the humanitarian situation, and he expressed his concern over the possible humanitarian consequences should the violation of the Temporary Security Zone lead to an escalation of tensions.

As part of the response to the recurrent drought and chronic food insecurity devastating the Horn of Africa region, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed former Norwegian Prime Minister Kjell Magne Bondevik as Special Humanitarian Envoy for the Horn of Africa on 3 February 2006.

For further information, please contact:

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