The UN urges greater humanitarian access to assist Somalis on World Water Day

Nairobi, 22 March 2011 -The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. Mark Bowden, calls for greater humanitarian access to support Somalis suffering from drought and escalating conflict, especially in south central Somalia.

On the occasion of World Water Day, attention is focused on how essential water is for life. Nowhere is this more pertinent than in mostly semi-arid Somalia, where significant numbers of people are suffering from drought and struggling to access water for themselves, their livestock and crops.

The failure of the Deyr rains (October to December) compounds the ongoing conflict, where 2.4 million Somalis - 32 per cent of the population - currently need humanitarian assistance and livelihoods support. The drought has brought with it a rise in food prices, restricted access to food as well as limited food stocks. Malnutrition rates have increased significantly in the past six months, particularly in southern Somalia, where one in four children is acutely malnourished.

The conditions for internally displaced people, who are already highly vulnerable, have become even harsher. The forecasted poor performance of the Gu rains (April to June) is expected to result in further deterioration in food security in Somalia, particularly in south central regions.

"I am extremely concerned about the impact of the current drought on the well-being of children, women and the general population in Somalia. More than 50,000 people have already been displaced due to the drought. The recent escalation in conflict in south and central Somalia is further exacerbating suffering," said Mr. Bowden.

For the last 20 years, Somalia has suffered on and off civil insecurity that has pushed millions into crisis. The United Nations in Somalia is working to alleviate the suffering of the Somali people, particularly the poor and vulnerable, during the current drought.

The humanitarian community has taken early action to deploy its financial resources and material assistance to those who are most affected by the drought in the areas of water, livelihood support, health and nutrition while also ensuring there is a longer term response to maintain water supplies and livelihoods. In the past three months, approximately US$50 million has been allocated from the pooled funding for drought response.

In Somaliland, four boreholes have been rehabilitated, benefiting over 57,000 people. In Puntland, five boreholes have been rehabilitated benefiting over 47,000 people. In Dinsor district, Bay region, more than 1,900 households are benefitting from water through a voucher system in Wamabata and other drought-affected areas. In Lower Shebelle, over 91,000 people in 16 villages in Wanla Weyn district are benefitting from water purification tablets, soaps and jerry cans. In Mogadishu, more than 483,000 residents and IDPs are benefitting from the chlorination of 217 water sources and 58 water points.

Malnutrition rates among children are already above emergency levels and rising, as milk and food become scarce.

In Lower Shabelle, 17 Mother and Child Health centres and 22 health posts are providing services to more than 120,000 drought-affected agro-pastoralists and IDPs. In Mogadishu, 15 Mother and Child Health centres are providing services to over 290,000 IDPs and drought-affected people. More than 700,000 people in central and northern Somalia are receiving food assistance. In Mogadishu, some 240,000 people are receiving food assistance, 85,000 meals are being provided daily through the wet feeding centres, and high energy biscuits are being distributed to 50,000 displaced who moved into the city because of drought. More than 18,000 malnourished children and pregnant or nursing mothers at 49 locations in Mudug and Galgadud regions in central Somalia are benefitting from supplementary feeding.

"The United Nations is striving to alleviate the suffering in Somalia. However, so much more could be done with greater access. Access to populations in need is shrinking at the same time as their needs are expanding, particularly in the south, where 80 per cent of the people most in need live," Mr. Bowden added.

"Severe water shortages require collective efforts and further cooperation at all levels to deliver a well coordinated response to mitigate the consequences of the drought on the lives of the Somali population. The humanitarian community is ready to scale up response but needs support from all Somalis, both inside and outside the country. This is a collective responsibility. I urge all parties to the conflict to ensure greater humanitarian access to those in need."