Statement by Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at the Security Council briefing on the Humanitarian Situation in Yemen, South Sudan, and Somalia.

I would like to begin by thanking Stephen for his briefing. As well as for his initiative and stamina in confronting the toughest humanitarian challenges that the world present. And through him, may I pay tribute to all humanitarian workers responding to these humanitarian challenges, which are of a scale so unprecedented, so unacceptable that it’s almost unimaginable.

More than 20 million men, women and children risk starving to death in the next six months. That’s nearly the entire population of Australia. Absolutely astounding in 2017.

Let me focus briefly on South Sudan, Somalia and then Yemen.

In South Sudan, we need to see the Government bring an overdue end to the fighting and improve humanitarian access. It is completely unacceptable that people in famine areas like Mayendit are not receiving the food and medical supplies that could save their lives.

These are exactly the messages we need to keep sending at the highest levels, including at our meeting on South Sudan, chaired by the British Foreign Secretary later this month. And we need to match our messages with our money. The UK is the second largest bilateral donor to South Sudan but we cannot do it alone. We are matching our money with our deeds, by strengthening UNMISS with almost 400 peacekeepers, including military engineers and a field hospital. And we call on others to follow suit.

In Somalia, we have a crucial window to take action before the drought takes hold. If we act early and decisively, we can prevent a repeat of 2011 when over a quarter of a million people died through famine. Again, we must all play our part. The UK is providing emergency food and safe drinking water to one million people, but more, much more, is needed.

If we don’t step up, others will. Al Shabaab are poised to step into the breach left by any lack of national or international resources. If we abandon the people of Somalia, we risk reversing the political and security gains of the last four years by forcing them to turn towards Al Shabaab in desperation. So I strongly urge other donors to come forward.

And in Yemen, the situation is equally grave. Civilians are paying the highest price for the continuing conflict. So we urge all sides to facilitate safe access by the UN and by NGOs to deliver vital life saving assistance.

That means all parties must uphold their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, and do everything feasible to prevent civilian casualties and to prevent damage to civilian infrastructure. Because the continued flow of commercial supplies into Yemen will be critical if we are to prevent famine. Eighty five percent of Yemen’s food needs in the last year were met through commercial imports.

All parties need to ensure the continued facilitation of commercial and humanitarian imports and their onward distribution - and we must continue to support UNVIM to carry out their crucial work. In tandem, we need to find ways to stabilise the banking sector and solve the liquidity crisis so that importers have the means and the funds to pay for foods and basic goods.

Again, we need step up our own efforts. Last year’s UN Appeal was only 60% funded. This year it’s only 6% funded. We need to give generously so that the Resident Coordinator has the resources he needs to tackle the crisis.

For our part, the United Kingdom has increased our humanitarian aid to Yemen to $125 million. And in both 2015 and 2016, we helped more than a million Yemenis with food, medical supplies and clean water.

Ultimately, however, it will remain difficult to address Yemen’s humanitarian needs whilst the conflict is ongoing. We call upon all parties to engage meaningfully with the UN Special Envoy’s proposals for peace, and to make progress towards a ceasefire and an enduring political settlement. The United Kingdom will continue to play a leading role in supporting his efforts to achieve this.

Thank you.

Leading UK aid agencies today [Wednesday 15 March] announced a joint fundraising appeal to help millions of people facing hunger in East Africa.

More than 16 million people in the region do not know where their next meal will come from and children are at risk of dying from starvation.

In South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia, drought and conflict have left millions of people in immediate need of food, water and medical treatment.

The DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal is launching today and will be shown on all major UK Broadcasters including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky.

Money raised will support the efforts of DEC member charities to reach affected families and communities.

DEC Chief Executive, Saleh Saeed, said: “Hunger on a massive scale is looming across East Africa. More than 800,000 children under five are severely malnourished. Without urgent treatment, they are at risk of starving to death. “We are hearing that families are so desperate for food that they are resorting to eating leaves to survive. This is something no family should have to endure. “Unless we act now the number of deaths will drastically increase. Don’t delay – please donate.” DEC member charities are already on the ground delivering life-saving aid, such as food, treatment for malnutrition and clean drinking water.

They are ready to scale-up their humanitarian support, but they need more funding to reach the millions of people in urgent need.

To make a donation to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal visit www.dec.org.uk, call the 24-hour hotline on 0370 60 60 610, donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office, or send a cheque. You can also donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.

The UK Government will match pound for pound the first £5 million donated by the public to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal.

Stay up to date with developments in East Africa, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts with the DEC on twitter: www.twitter.com/decappeal, on Facebook via www.facebook.com/DisastersEmergencyCommittee or by searching #fightingfamine

END

Notes to editors:

• Media enquiries please call 020 7387 0200 or 07930 999 014 (out of hours)

• The DEC brings 13 leading UK aid charities together in times of crisis:
  ActionAid, Age International, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International,
  Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief Worldwide, Oxfam, Plan International UK, Save the Children, Tearfund and World Vision; all collectively raising money to reach those in need quickly.

• All DEC agencies will support the appeal and are responding in East Africa.

• To make a postal donation make cheques payable to ‘DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal’ and mail to ‘PO Box 999, London, EC3A 3AA’.

• Donations can be made at any high street bank and at Post Office counters.

• To donate £5 by text send the word SUPPORT to 70000. The full £5 will go to the DEC East Africa Crisis Appeal. Donors must be 16 years or over and have bill payers’ permission. Texts are free and donations will be added to the bill.

• UK Government match funding will go directly to the DEC and provide vital emergency supplies. This new funding will double the impact of the public’s own donations and ensure that charities working on the ground can reach even more people in need.

Key Messages

• In January, the South Sudan IPC Technical Working Group (TWG) raised concerns that Famine (IPC Phase 5) could be ongoing in parts of central Unity. Upon reviewing the analysis, the IPC’s Emergency Review Committee (ERC) concluded that while available evidence was insufficient to make a Famine determination following IPC protocols, Famine (IPC Phase 5) was likely occurring in Leer, possibly occurring in Koch, and that humanitarian assistance was preventing Famine (IPC Phase 5) in Mayendit. Based on these ERC conclusions, the South Sudan TWG declared that Famine (IPC Phase 5) was the most likely outcome in Leer and Mayendit during the February-July period.

• Due to assistance delivered in February, it is likely that Mayendit remains in Emergency (IPC Phase 4!). Humanitarian actors gained access to Leer in late February - beneficiaries have been registered for assistance and distributions have begun. As of early March, no access has been granted to Koch.

• The ability to deliver assistance to highly food insecure areas is likely to remain volatile throughout 2017, as highlighted by the recent evacuation of aid workers from Mayendit. In the absence of large-scale humanitarian assistance, Famine is likely in Mayendit and Panyijiar and expected to continue in Leer and Koch through at least July.

• An estimated 3.8 million people are currently facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes or worse across South Sudan, and the size of the food insecure population is expected to rise to 5.5 million during the May to July lean season due to a combination of poor production, limited livelihoods options, and food prices which are expected to remain five to ten times above the five-year average.

• A number of areas outside of central Unity are also expected to face severe food insecurity across the February to July period. In Northern Bahr el Ghazal, food security outcomes in December 2016 were worse than at the same time in 2015, despite a four-fold increase in food assistance. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) is expected in these areas during the lean season. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes, and the associated risk of increased mortality, are also anticipated in parts of Western Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria.

Famine (IPC Phase 5) likely occurring in part of Unity State

The potential for Famine in Unity State has been a concern since the onset of conflict in 2013/14 and was highlighted most recently in FEWS NET’s January 2017 food security Alert. On February 20, 2017, the South Sudan Government and the IPC Technical Working Group declared that Famine (IPC Phase 5) is ongoing in Leer, likely in Mayendit, and possible in Koch.

According to the IPC, a Famine (IPC Phase 5) has occurred when at least 20 percent of the households in a given area have an extreme lack of food, the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) prevalence, as measure by weight-for-height z-score, exceeds 30 percent, and mortality, as measured by the Crude Death Rate (CDR), is greater than 2 per 10,000 per day.

Although efforts have been made to collect comprehensive food security data, information remains limited and data were insufficient to make a Famine (IPC Phase 5) determination following established IPC protocols. While reliable data on acute malnutrition were collected in Leer, no food consumption or mortality data were available for this county. Data for Koch was even more limited. Nutrition and mortality data were collected in Mayendit, but no county-level food consumption data were available.

While there was a lack of sufficient data to meet established IPC data requirements, it was the professional judgment of the Global IPC Emergency Review Committee, given the information that was available, that Famine (IPC Phase 5) was likely ongoing in Leer, possibly ongoing in Koch, and being prevented by ongoing humanitarian assistance in Mayendit. This expert judgment was the basis of the formal Famine declaration.

Due to assistance delivered in February to more than 100,000 people, it is likely that Mayendit is currently in Emergency (IPC Phase 4!). Humanitarian actors gained access to Leer in late February - beneficiaries have been registered for assistance and distributions have begun. As of early March, no access has been granted to Koch.

The ability to deliver assistance is likely to remain volatile throughout 2017, as highlighted by the recent evacuation of aid workers from Mayendit. In the absence of large-scale humanitarian assistance, Famine (IPC Phase 5) is likely in Mayendit and Panyijiar and expected to continue in Leer and Koch through at least July.

SMART surveys are planned in Leer, Koch, and Mayendit between March and May 2017 and the results will provide additional information on the GAM prevalence and mortality outcomes in each of these counties.

NATIONAL OVERVIEW

Current Situation

Early 2016 was marked by optimism that conflict would lessen and food security would improve in South Sudan following the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU). In July 2016, though, clashes in Juba led to renewed conflict in much of Greater Upper Nile (GUN) and Western Bahr el Ghazal and spread to previously peaceful regions in Greater Equatoria (Figure 1). As a result, displacement has rapidly increased, macroeconomic conditions continue to worsen, and severe levels of acute food insecurity persist in all regions across seasons.

A recent UN report warned that the war in South Sudan has reached "catastrophic proportions" and civilians are fleeing in record numbers. Since the outbreak of the initial conflict in December 2013, an estimated 1.85 million people have been internally displaced and 1.4 million have fled to neighboring countries (Figure 2).

Conflict in Wau Shilluk and Malakal of Upper Nile in January and February displaced the entire population, roughly 20,400 people, of Wau Shilluk. Clashes were reported in Renk around the same time, resulting in the displacement of an unverified number of people. In Western Bahr el Ghazal, clashes between the Government and opposition forces is occasionally reported and fighting between pastoralists and farmers in Jur River in late January displaced up to 4,000 people to Wau and around 10,000 to Mbili and Jebel Teak. In Jonglei, although security has remained largely stable, fighting in Yuai of Uror in mid-February resulted in the displacement of an unknown number of people.

The refugee population has increased significantly since July 2016, driven primarily by conflict in Greater Equatoria that is forcing households to flee to Uganda. Over 58,000 people fled to Uganda in January and an additional 56,000 arrived by mid-February. The country now hosts over 750,000 South Sudanese refugees, 500,000 of whom arrived after July 2016. Although at lower numbers, South Sudanese are also fleeing to Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In the first two months of 2017, nearly 32,000 South Sudanese fled to Sudan, 1,500 to Kenya, 3,200 to Ethiopia, and 1,500 to the DRC.

Macroeconomic conditions in South Sudan continue to deteriorate. Oil production, the primary source of national revenue, remains at 160,000 barrels per day, after dropping from 350,000 barrels per day following the initial outbreak of conflict in December 2013. The global oil price increased from 46.97 USD/barrel in late 2016 to 55.47 USD/barrel in February 2017, but the modest rise has not significantly increased total oil revenue. Low USD earnings and ongoing conflict are together discouraging the development of other non-oil revenue sources, and the South Sudanese Pound (SSP) continues to depreciate, reducing the capacity of the Government and traders to import commodities. The exchange rate in February 2017 stood at 125 SSP/USD, a further depreciation from 73 SSP/USD in October 2016. Fuel shortages have been reported throughout the country. In Juba, the retail price of petrol on the parallel market increased from 180 SSP/liter in January to 200 SSP/liter in February. This has increased the cost of transportation, which, alongside inflation, is driving food price increases.

According to the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM), 2016 production was below average in several states. In all states of Greater Equatoria, Jonglei, Unity, and Western Bahr el Ghazal, production was estimated between 15 and 40 percent below the 2012-2015 average. Western and Central Equatoria are typically surplus-producing and the decline in production in these states has greatly lowered domestic cereal supply. The CSFSAM estimates that production was above average in Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal, but these areas are structurally deficit-producing and even above-average production does not meet the states’ cereal requirements.

Maize and sorghum imports from Uganda in the fourth quarter of 2016 were 23 percent higher than last year and 26 percent higher than the fourth quarter three-year average. The increase is driven primarily by extremely high staple food prices in South Sudan that provide high returns to traders, incentivizing exports. Furthermore, the Nimule-Juba road is functional, despite intermittent attacks along the route, allowing for near-normal trade flows from Uganda to Juba. Imports from Sudan in the fourth quarter of 2016 were nearly double the fourth quarter of 2015, but 41 percent lower than the three year fourth-quarter average, likely due to the erratic opening and closing of the border by Sudan across these years.

The functioning of trade routes varies throughout the country (Figure 3). Security along the Juba-Yirol-Rumbek-Wau route has improved and trade flows are near normal. Supplies are reaching Wau and markets there are recovering. Trade flows between Aweil to Wau have also increased following the onset of the dry season, but occasional clashes are causing some disruption. Conversely, the Morobo-Yei-Maridi route is no longer passable due to high levels of insecurity in Yei and Morobo counties. This route was previously used to transport goods from Kaya of Morobo, to Yei, Maridi, and finally to Yambio, but insecurity has forced traders to re-route from Kaya, through the DRC, directly to Yambio. This has ultimately reduced food supplies in Yei and Maridi.

Despite above-average import volumes from Uganda, staple food prices remain over ten times higher than average in most markets due to persistent depreciation of the SSP, below-average domestic production, and high transportation costs resulting from fuel shortages and conflict along trade routes. In Juba, the retail sorghum price in January 2017 was 75 SSP/kilogram (kg), a 53 percent increase from last month, 626 percent increase from last year, and 1,400 percent increase from the five-year average (Figure 4). In Wau of Western Bahr el Ghazal and Aweil of Northern Bahr el Ghazal, the price of a kg of sorghum in January was 80 SSP and 63 SSP, respectively. These prices are now 1100 percent and 1300 percent above their respective five-year averages.

Income-earning opportunities remain extremely limited throughout the country as a result of widespread insecurity limiting movement and extremely poor macroeconomic conditions. Many businesses in Juba closed following the outbreak of fighting and some have not reopened, lowering job opportunities. For skilled labor, some employment opportunities exist in the government, private organizations, and NGOs, although salaries from the government are irregularly paid. For unskilled labor, many poor households who were relying on the collection and sale of firewood, charcoal, and grass are less frequently engaged in this activity due to risks associated with collection. Most households who had relied on breaking stones for construction have lost their jobs as the demand for construction work has drastically reduced. Many households in Juba have sent family members to refugee camps in Uganda to access food, health, and education services. Others, in an effort to earn income, are engaged in petty trade of foods. A rapid market assessment conducted by FEWS NET in Juba in February found a significant increase in the number of small retailers, the majority of whom are women selling both local and imported staple grains.

SMART surveys conducted in December 2016 show that severe levels of acute malnutrition persisted during the post-harvest period (Figure 5). In some areas, nutrition did improve relative to the lean season, due to availability of the harvest, seasonally increasing trade flows, and reduced child morbidity. In Rubkona of Unity, a SMART survey in December 2016 found a GAM prevalence of 20.2 percent (17.1-23.6), a statistically significant improvement from the GAM prevalence of 29.2 percent (24.5-34.4) recorded in May 2016. Despite improvements, GAM prevalence remains above Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or Emergency (IPC Phase 4) thresholds in many areas, including in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. In areas affected by conflict, available evidence suggests the prevalence of malnutrition is worse. A MUAC sentinel site surveillance performed on 1,617 children under-five in several IDP locations in Leer of Unity in December 2016 found a proxy GAM of 32.4 percent, far surpassing the malnutrition threshold indicative of Famine (IPC Phase 5).

Extreme levels of acute food insecurity persist across South Sudan, and an estimated 3.8 million people are currently in Crisis (IPC Phase 3) or higher.

In central Unity, it is likely Famine (IPC Phase 5) is ongoing in some areas. Conflict has persisted in this state for three years and many people have been displaced multiple times. In Leer, many have sought refuge on local islands, which provide relative safety from conflict. The main sources of food for these households are fish and water lilies; the availability of both are seasonally low and depleting faster than normal given the large concentration of IDPs on the islands. The conflict has prevented the delivery of assistance to Leer and Koch, and little to no emergency food assistance has been provided to these counties. Based on available MUAC sentinel site surveillance and expert opinion, it is possible a Famine (IPC Phase 5) is ongoing in Leer. In Koch, there is no county-level data available, but given its similarities to Leer, there is an increased risk of Famine (IPC Phase 5) in this county. In Mayendit, households face similar constraints to accessing sufficient food, but high levels of humanitarian assistance through January have likely prevented the further deterioration of food security and Emergency (IPC Phase 4!) outcomes are expected, although it is possible some households are in Catastrophe (IPC Phase 5).

In Western Bahr el Ghazal, conflict in 2016 displaced thousands of people in Wau and Raja counties to both Wau town and rural areas. In Raja, insecurity continues to prevent the delivery of humanitarian assistance, but most households are displaced to rural areas where they have access to wild foods, fish, and perennial crops. Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes are likely in this county. In Wau, production was below average and income-earning opportunities remain limited, as insecurity has restricted household movement. Many households are market dependent but face difficulty meeting their basic food needs due to extremely high food prices. Crisis (IPC Phase 3!) outcomes exist in this county with ongoing high levels of humanitarian assistance.

In Upper Nile, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected in western counties where ongoing conflict is causing new displacement. An interagency rapid needs assessment in Jikmir found that over 33,000 people were recently displaced and lost all their assets. In Canal and Fangak of Jonglei, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes also persist due to recent displacement that has greatly reduced households’ access to normal food and income sources.

In Northern Bahr el Ghazal, a production-deficit area, it is likely poor households have already depleted household food stocks. The relaxation of the border regulations by Sudan has led to slight increases in trade flows, allowing households to sell livestock to fund cereal purchases and access some income-earning opportunities. However, food prices are well above average and many households are facing difficulty purchasing sufficient food to meet their basic needs. This area is in Crisis (IPC Phase 3).

In Warrap, production was above average, and most households had more food stocks than normal. This state is still deficit-producing, though, and most poor households likely exhausted stocks in February. Conflict has remained relatively low throughout the state since December 2013, which has allowed most households to pursue normal livelihood activities, including fishing and the collection of wild foods. Households face extremely high food prices, which is lowering household food access. While these areas are likely Stressed (IPC Phase 2) some very poor households in face Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes.

In Central Equatoria, production was below average and trade flows to most areas outside of Juba are significantly lower than normal. Lainya, Yei, and Morobo are the most significantly impacted, as ongoing conflict in these areas has led to displacement and greatly impacted livelihood activities. Yei and Morobo are in Crisis (IPC Phase 3), and in Lainya, where a high proportion of the population remains displaced without access to markets or their fields, Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected.

National Assumptions

From October 2016 to May 2017, the projected food security outcomes are based on the following national-level assumptions:

Conflict/Insecurity: Conflict is expected to continue in Greater Equatoria, Unity, Western Bahr el Ghazal, and Upper Nile. It is unlikely the Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCISS) will be implemented given ongoing fighting. Internal displacement: As a result of the ongoing conflict, high levels of internal displacement are expected in Yei, Morobo, Kajo-Keji, Mundri, Magwi, and Torit of Greater Equatoria, Wau and Raja of Western Bahr el Ghazal, southern and central Unity, eastern Jonglei, and eastern Upper Nile. Increased displacement is most likely during the February and May dry season, when road conditions allow for easier movement, but is expected throughout the outlook period. External displacement: Displacement to neighboring countries is likely to continue throughout the outlook period at or above 2,000 people a day. It is likely Uganda will continue to receive the greatest number of refugees. Outflows will slow slightly during the rainy season, which is typically associated with reduction in conflict and increased difficulty moving along roads. Humanitarian access is likely to remain volatile throughout the outlook period in all areas, given the level of insecurity. In Unity State, humanitarian actors have recently gained access to Leer and beneficiaries have been reached, but it is unknown the scale of assistance that will be delivered, or if access will be granted, throughout the outlook period. Access to Koch has not yet been granted. The evacuation of many aid workers in Mayendit is likely to reduce assistance levels in this county. As a result of this uncertainty and lack of information on funding levels for planned assistance, the scenario is based on the assumption that planned, funded, and likely humanitarian assistance is insufficient to meet needs. Rainfall: The March to June first rainy season in Greater Equatoria and June to September main rainy season in northern South Sudan are expected to be average. The February CPC/IRI consensus forecast indicates a higher than normal likelihood of El Niño in the third quarter of 2017, although there is currently significant uncertainty in the ENSO forecast. As El Niño is generally associated with a suppression of rainfall in Greater Equatoria, increasing the likelihood that the August to October second rainy season will be below average. First season production in Greater Equatoria: Despite the forecast for average rainfall, total production is likely to be below both last year and average, due to massive population displacement out of the region. Production among poor households and IDPs who remain in South Sudan is also expected to be lower than normal as many households have depleted some assets to cope with current food insecurity and are unlikely to have the resources to cultivate average plot sizes. Macro-economic situation: Oil production is likely to remain at 160,000 barrels/day given the destruction of infrastructure. This, alongside expected low global oil prices, will continue to limit oil revenue to South Sudan and, subsequently, USD earnings. The SSP will likely further depreciate against the USD and hyperinflation will persist. Markets and trade: Trade flows and market supplies are expected to be erratic. Road ambushes, high fuel prices, and the shortage of USD is expected to discourage some traders, but high returns are incentivizing other risk-adverse traders. Sorghum imports from Sudan are likely to increase seasonally through May above levels observed in 2016, but remain below the recent five-year average. Maize and dry bean imports from Uganda are expected to be below average through July. Staple food prices are expected to remain five to ten times higher than average across the county despite supplies from Uganda and domestic production. Prices are also expected to remain above the already extremely high prices seen in the first half of 2016. Wild foods: Availability and access to water lilies will be seasonally low through May, but will increase from June through September alongside the rainy season. Lalob and nabag will be available from January through March. Green leafy wild vegetables are expected to available from May through September. Availability and access to livestock products: Most poor households have some remaining livestock, with the exception of poor households in Unity State, who have few to no livestock. Households will have access to some meat and milk during the rainy season when livestock return near homesteads. Distress sales of the livestock are likely during the May to July peak lean season. Income: Household collection of firewood and grass for sale is expected to remain very low compared to a normal year due to ongoing insecurity that restricts typical household movement to areas where these products are readily available. Fishing: Access to fish will continue to be seasonally low through May as most poor households do not own equipment to fish from deep waters. The availability of fish is expected to increase from June through September with typical flooding. Most Likely Food Security Outcomes

From February to May, food security is expected to deteriorate across the country, as most poor households have depleted their food stocks and the availability of fish will seasonally decline. Poor households will be primarily reliant on markets to access food, but will face significant difficulty purchasing sufficient food to meet their basic food needs, as prices are expected to continue rising and income-earning opportunities are limited. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are expected in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity. In the absence of humanitarian assistance, Famine (IPC Phase 5) is possible in Leer, Koch, and Mayendit.

Food insecurity is expected to be most severe in June and July, at the peak of the lean season. In the absence of humanitarian assistance, Famine (IPC Phase 5) is expected in Leer, Koch, and Mayendit. In Panyijiar, it is expected that many food insecure households from Leer, Koch, and Mayendit will move to this county in search of assistance, and in the absence of humanitarian assistance, Panyijiar is also likely to be in Famine (IPC Phase 5) during the peak of the lean season, when the availability of wild foods and fish are seasonally low. Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are likely in Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Lainya of Central Equatoria. Households face an increased risk for high levels of acute malnutrition and excess mortality.

Some improvements in food security are expected following the arrival of the July first season harvest in Greater Equatoria and green harvest in August in northern areas of the country and as the availability of fish and wild foods increases during this time.

Highlights

• 200 Youths benefited from life skills and business training in February 2017

• 142,520 Refugees and IDPs received non -food items assistance from UNHCR across South Sudan in February 2017

• 9,123 Refugees living in Pamir camp as of 28 February 2017

• 1,737 New arrivals from Sudan registered in South Sudan in February 2017

Nairobi, March 13th

Aid agency, World Vision is launching an appeal for USD92m to respond to the needs of 22 million people – half of them children – across East Africa who are facing a humanitarian hunger crisis that could result in the deaths of thousands of children if action is delayed.

The appeal has been launched to address the rapidly deteriorating crisis that is a result of a deadly mix of drought, conflict, economic shocks and migration.

Famine is already gripping parts of South Sudan, while areas of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia are on the brink of a catastrophe. The situation for children and their families is alarming and urgent action by Governments and Humanitarian Agencies is needed. World Vision’s interventions will address the most acute needs in an attempt to save lives, with a particular focus on children.

World Vision is providing emergency food rations and highly nutritious supplements for children with malnutrition; ensuring children have access to their most basic needs. This is only possible in areas where we have the ability to reach communities safely. Many more affected communities are unreachable due to insecurity within some of our response areas.

In South Sudan, where famine has already hit hard, the numbers of those needing life-saving assistance is now at more than 50% of the population. In Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia many communities are facing the most devastating drought in more than a decade, with more than 15 million people in these countries without a consistent daily meal.

World Vision is already on the ground responding to the immediate needs of affected communities in all four countries. “The window of opportunity to avert a hunger crisis is rapidly closing. We can make a difference if Governments, international donors and humanitarian actors act swiftly to meet the needs of affected communities and keep children, women and their families alive,” says Margaret Schuler, the Vice President of World Vision in East Africa Region.

The needs are great and a slow reaction will likely see millions more affected by this crisis over the next six months.

-End-

Notes for editor: World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For more information and media enquiries please contact: • Geoffrey Kalebbo Denye the East Africa Hunger Crisis Response Communications Manager on kalebbo_Geoffrey_Denye@wvi.org or +254-733-442-744
• Nancy Okwengu, Regional Communications Director, for World Vision in East Africa on nancy_okwengu@wvi.org or +254-722-227-114

KEY MESSAGES

• Tens of thousands of children could starve to death as famine, starvation, food and water shortages affect 22 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.

• International aid is urgently needed before the window of opportunity to help closes. The crisis is not getting the attention it needs to ensure children and their families are protected from a looming catastrophe.

• The hunger crisis is exacerbated by drought, conflict and political instability and is forcing people to migrate into areas affected by conflict and putting children at huge risk of violence, exploitation and abuse.

• As communities fracture and go in search of food and water millions of children have abandoned schools. They risk being separated from families and exposed to harm and violence. Our aim is to help children survive, thrive and return to school.

• World Vision is on the ground responding but urgently needs US$92 million NOW to scale up humanitarian assistance in the four countries. Our response will meet the health, nutrition, child protection, livelihoods, shelter, education and water and sanitation needs of the most vulnerable.

World Vision (WV) is seeking US$92 million to provide life-saving assistance to 2.2 million drought affected people in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia between February 2017 – July 2017

KEY MESSAGES

• Tens of thousands of children could starve to death as famine, starvation, food and water shortages affect 22 million people in Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia.

• International aid is urgently needed before the window of opportunity to help closes. The crisis is not getting the attention it needs to ensure children and their families are protected from a looming catastrophe.

• The hunger crisis is exacerbated by drought, confl ict and political instability and is forcing people to migrate into areas affected by confl ict and putting children at huge risk of violence, exploitation and abuse.

• As communities fracture and go in search of food and water millions of children have abandoned schools. They risk being separated from families and exposed to harm and violence. Our aim is to help children survive, thrive and return to school.

• World Vision is on the ground responding but urgently needs US$92 million NOW to scale up humanitarian assistance in the four countries. Our response will meet the health, nutrition, child protection, livelihoods, shelter, education and water and sanitation needs of the most vulnerable

Highlights

• WFP has classified the drought crisis in the Horn of Africa as a Level 2 Emergency. Some 2.9 million people in Somalia and 5.6 million people in Ethiopia are categorized as being in either crisis or emergency (Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) levels 3 and 4), and require urgent humanitarian assistance. In Kenya, 2.6 million people also require emergency food assistance, of whom, 2.2 million are in IPC Phase 3.

• The Somalia and Kenya Governments have declared the drought situation a “national disaster” and appeal to the international community to support the response efforts.

• In Somalia, WFP scaled up its emergency response in February, reaching nearly 1 million people through general distributions, nutrition interventions and school meals programme.

• The drought is evolving against a backdrop of escalating needs in South Sudan, with 4.9 million people requiring emergency food assistance between February and April 2017. Of these, 100,000 people in Leer and Mayendit Counties, Unity State are facing famine conditions.

• At both regional and country levels, WFP is working very closely with UNICEF, FAO, OCHA, UNHCR and INGO partners to support common situational analysis. WFP also works closely with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is playing a key role in advocating for rapid mobilization of resources by Member States and development partners to respond to the impact of drought.

Situation Update

• The effects of drought in the Horn of Africa are expected to intensify, with the approaching April-June (Gu) rainfall in Somalia projected to be below normal and the distribution of seasonal March to May rains in Kenya projected to be poor over most parts of the country.

• The food security situation and acute malnutrition in children under five years, pregnant women and nursing mothers are a serious concern in droughtaffected areas, especially parts of Somalia, Kenya and Ethiopia.

• Severe drought has caused widespread deficits of water and pasture, contributing to declining livestock body conditions, increased rate of disease outbreaks, rising mortalities, and crop production losses.

• Vegetation conditions, as indicated by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), remain below average across the region, particularly in southern/ central Somalia, southern Ethiopia, and most parts of Kenya.

• Household milk and meat production is extremely low and market prices for cereals have significantly increased owing to regional below-average harvests, resulting in decreased food access. This is likely to push drought-affected households to deploy harmful coping strategies, which may deplete their household assets, further slowing their recovery and limiting their ability to mitigate future shocks.

• The drought has triggered movement of people in search of grazing land, water and work, increasing the risk of tension especially among pastoral and agropastoral communities over scarce resources.

La région de Diffa est confrontée depuis quelques années à des mouvements forcés de populations causés par les violences liées aux activités de Boko Haram dans le bassin du lac Tchad. Par ailleurs, plusieurs cas de victimes civiles ont été relevés dans les départements de Bosso, Diffa, Goudoumaria, Mainé Soroa et Nguigmi. Selon les données non exhaustives recueillies par les partenaires sur le terrain, on dénombre environ 455 personnes tuées, blessées ou enlevées depuis les premières attaques de Boko Haram au Niger en février 2015. Le pourcentage de cas de décès le plus élevé a été enregistré dans le département de Bosso avec plus de 70 pour cent de cas.

In the Lake Chad Region, that includes part of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon and Chad, attacks by Boko Haram have uprooted and displaced 2.3 million people to date. Violence, combined with chronic drought, cholera and poverty have created one of the most complex and severe humanitarian crises in today’s world.

Out of the 17 million people living in the Lake Chad Region, some 10.7 million are in critical need of food, water and shelter. Delivery of assistance, however, is made very challenging due to the volatile security situation and remoteness of the region.

Communities in the area are also facing the devastating impact of climate change and excessive irrigations as the Lake waters are drying up and many people are no longer able to live from fishery (waters went from 25,000 km² superficies in the 1960’s to just about 2,500 km² today).
In this fragile environment, new humanitarian crises are susceptible to flare up at any time . Four UN agencies(UNICEF, WFP, UNHCR and OCHA) with the support of DFID, have therefore decided to invest together in the Ready to Respond Project to get the region better prepared for further escalation of violence and potential new emergencies - while in parallel keep responding to immediate and urging needs.

Starting in 2014, the agencies have undertaken a whole range of preventive actions in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger: they prepositioned relief items such as food, communication equipment and educational kits for children, they signed operational agreements with partners, assessed infrastructure for aid supply, organized emergency training for UN and partner staff – along with other preparatory measures that help the humanitarian community better respond to the ongoing crisis in the region.

Since December 2013, South Sudan has been the scene of an on-going conflict between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to ex-vice president Riek Machar. In July 2016, armed fighting escalated and ethnic tensions rose drastically amid a sharply deteriorating food security situation, triggering an increasing number of refugees fleeing to neighboring countries. In Uganda, an average of 2,200 people from South Sudan have been crossing into the country on a daily basis, bringing the total number of refugees and asylum- seekers from South Sudan to 770,000 in the country.

With the Ready to Respond project supported by DFID, WFP in Uganda was able to realize a number of preparedness activities in 2015 and 2016, which greatly helped to better respond to the current South Sudanese refugee crisis. Cheryl Harrison, WFP Deputy Country Director in charge of operations in Uganda, said:

“Since July 2016, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable food insecure South Sudanese crossed the border into Uganda in search of security. The speed and magnitude to which WFP has been able to respond to the crisis has only been possible thanks to the preparedness work in anticipation of the emergency. The importance of the fund that donors dedicate to emergency preparedness is invaluable.”

From October 2015 onwards, WFP has been investing in preventive actions without which the scale and quality of the current response would never have been possible.

Prepositioning equipment where it’s needed

WFP purchased prefabricated facilities with the Ready to Respond funds, and when refugees started pouring from South Sudan in 2016, the teams were able to quickly install satellite offices and accommodations close to refugees’ settlements. This allowed personnel to assess urging needs as well as plan, implement and monitor emergency food support in a timely manner.

Many refugees are malnourished when they arrive in Uganda. In order to initiate treatment quickly, the necessary anthropometric and nutrition equipment (such as height boards, measuring tables, weighting scales etc.) have been prepositioned close to settlements and can be rapidly deployed when needed.

The connectivity is often very limited in the remote areas of Uganda where refugee settlements are established. With DFID funding, WFP purchased IT equipment (emergency mobile kits/voice and data ready-to-use set) which enhanced communications for field staff and allowed WFP to stay connected with offices and partners in Kampala. WFP also organized an inter-agency-training and simulation exercise on the use of IT in emergencies, which benefited to staff from 11 agencies. This has been widely appreciated by the UN country team, and is enhancing overall efficiency of the response to the South Sudan crisis.

Human Rights Council
AFTERNOON
14 March 2017

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. It also started its general debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention.

Yasmine Sooka, Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, noted that the deterioration in the human rights situation in South Sudan was directly attributable to impunity. The challenge for accountability was that alleged perpetrators still occupied senior political and military positions. Unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, rape and killing had become the norm in South Sudan and they were occurring in many more parts of the country than before. South Sudan was the world’s third largest refugee crisis with nearly 2 million people who were internally displaced and more than 1.5 million refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries. International humanitarians, including the United Nations, had little choice but to accept the restrictions imposed by the State as they could not walk away and let millions of people starve due to the impending famine.

Speaking as the concerned country, South Sudan said the Government continued its cooperation with all human rights institutions because South Sudan was a member of the international community; this was not done out of fear. However, the Government had observations about the report because it was as if the report was not about the country the speaker came from. There were a lot of assumptions about reality in the report that were not there. A large part of South Sudan was under the control of non-State actors. The Commission was now proposing that it be given powers of investigation. It would never be a fair investigation. The Government of South Sudan wanted the Commission to be fair, as it had not reflected in the report what the Government had said.

In the ensuing discussion speakers voiced extreme alarm about the humanitarian situation and levels of violence and human rights abuses in South Sudan, including ethnic cleansing, sexual and gender-based violence, recruitment of children by armed forces, starvation, and a blockade of humanitarian aid. They urged the Government of South Sudan to work with humanitarian agencies to ensure lifesaving assistance for those in need, and called for a sustained and inclusive political process. Delegations supported the Commission’s call for the setting up of an independent mechanism to collect evidence of human rights abuses, and thus address widespread impunity.

Speaking were European Union, United Nations Children’s Fund, Slovenia, France, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, Belgium, Australia, China, Netherlands, Egypt, Algeria, Cuba, United States, Botswana, Sudan, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Ireland, Portugal, Albania, Slovakia, Spain and Morocco.

Also taking the floor were the following non-governmental organizations: East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, and Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development.

The Council then started its general debate on human rights situations requiring its attention.

In the debate speakers noted that all human rights were universal and interdependent, including the right to development, and should be promoted through dialogue and non-confrontation. Human rights should not be used for political ends. The international community should strive for inclusion, tolerance, mutual respect and respect for the cultural diversity of States. Some delegations rejected the proliferation of country-specific mandates which were politically motivated and violated the principle of impartiality and non-selectivity. Other speakers noted the important role of the Council’s early prevention mechanisms and highlighted a number of human rights situations which the Council should keep on its agenda.

Speaking were Venezuela on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Malta on behalf of the European Union, Slovenia, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Egypt, Ecuador, Venezuela, Georgia, United States, China, Netherlands, Cuba, Switzerland, Czechia, Russian Federation, Canada and Denmark.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Venezuela, Turkmenistan, Philippines and Japan spoke in right of reply.

The Council will resume its work at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 15 March, to continue its general debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minorities.

Opening Remarks

SHALVA TSISKARASHVILI, Vice President of the Human Rights Council, reminded that in its resolution 31/20 the Council had decided to establish the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan to, among other things, monitor and report on the situation of human rights in South Sudan and to make recommendations for its improvement. It had requested the Commission to present a comprehensive written report to the Council at its thirty-fourth session.

Documentation

The Council has before it the Report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan(A/HRC/34/63).

Presentation of the Report by the Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan

YASMIN SOOKA, Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, said that in the past nine months there had been a massive increase in gross human rights violations and abuses, as well as an escalation in fighting in most of South Sudan. Unlawful arrests and detentions, torture, rape and killing had become the norm and they were occurring in many more parts of the country than before. South Sudan was the world’s third largest refugee crisis. Nearly 2 million people had been internally displaced and more than 1.5 million refugees had fled to neighbouring countries. South Sudanese civilians had been deliberately and systematically targeted on the basis of their ethnicity by Government and Government-aligned forces. Citizens were treated like enemy combatants because of their perceived political allegiance to the other side, calculated by ethnicity. The Government had also conducted a brutal campaign of repression to silence civil society. The extent and scale of sexual violence in South Sudan was so horrifying that the consequences of doing nothing were unthinkable.

In February 2017, there had been a serious escalation of the fighting in parts of Greater Upper Nile and the Greater Equatoria region with dire consequences for the civilian population. Despite claims to the contrary, the Government repeatedly obstructed and manipulated humanitarian assistance from reaching opposition areas. In Upper Nile more than 20,000 civilians were dispersed there without assistance as a result of recent offensives. The Commission had reported on a pattern of ethnic cleansing and population engineering. Aid workers estimated that 2,000 people, the vast majority Dinka, had been transported north by the Government which had asked for international humanitarian assistance while at the same time denying access to citizens who were starving in opposition areas.

The deterioration in the human rights situation in South Sudan was directly attributable to impunity. The challenge for accountability was that alleged perpetrators still occupied senior political and military positions. They had squandered the oil wealth and had plundered the country’s resources. International humanitarians, including the United Nations, had little choice to accept the restrictions imposed by the State as they could not walk away and let millions of people starve. The dilemma between being outspoken on human rights and securing access had never been more stark. An estimated 5.5 million persons were expected to reach crisis levels of food insecurity by April 2017. A quarter of a million children were malnourished. The opposition and the armed groups allied to them contributed to the famine as they attacked government installations, looted convoys, and terrorized communities suspected of supporting the Government or the Dinka tribe.

Statement by the Concerned Country

South Sudan thanked the Commission for expressing its appreciation for the help of the Government in carrying out its mandate. The Government continued its cooperation with all human rights institutions because South Sudan was a member of the international community; this was not done out of fear. However, the Government had observations about the report because it was as if the report was not about the country the speaker came from. There were a lot of assumptions about reality in the report that were not there. A large part of South Sudan was under the control of non-State actors. The Commission was now proposing that it be given powers of investigation. It would never be a fair investigation. The investigation should not just involve victims but also perpetrators, or the accused and their witnesses, to allow for self-defence. The Commission wanted to take the investigation to the Hybrid Court and other courts. The Government of South Sudan wanted the Commission to be fair, as it had not reflected in the report what the Government had said. In order to improve the human rights of its people, the Government had continued to cooperate and had accepted the regional protection force. Over 2,000 illegal arms had been collected from the people. The Government was also providing non-governmental organizations with money so that they provided aid to those who needed it.

Interactive Dialogue

European Union was appalled by the continuation of atrocities and human rights violations and abuses in South Sudan, including sexual and gender-based violence, rapes, gang rapes, ethnically motivated killings, and wholescale destruction of villages. The European Union stressed the need for accountability and the importance of establishing the Hybrid Court with the African Union’s support as soon as possible. United Nations Children’s Fund said that women and children continued to suffer the repercussions of the armed conflict in South Sudan. In the last year, 1.5 million civilians had fled to neighbouring countries and another 1.9 million were displaced within the country, and incidents of grave child rights violations were on the increase. Slovenia thanked the Transition Government in South Sudan for its cooperation with the Commission and expressed concern about the reports of systematic and deliberate targeting of civilians on the basis of their ethnicity, and the appalling scale of sexual violence. Slovenia was extremely concerned about warning signs of genocide.

France was deeply concerned about the escalation of wide-spread violence in South Sudan and the violations of international humanitarian law committed by all parties in complete impunity. The safety of humanitarian staff and United Nations personnel must be assured and measures must be taken to fight impunity. Czechia said that the scale of human rights violations by all sides was evidence that the decision to establish the Commission for Human Rights in South Sudan was the right one. All sides to the conflict must stop the wide-spread sexual violence, as well as discrimination against journalists, human rights defenders and activists. Germany was deeply shocked that since the Commission’s travel to Juba in December 2016, the conflict had worsened, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crisis in the African continent. There must be full accountability for all the violations, including through the establishment of the Hybrid Court and the expansion of the mandate of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan.

Denmark voiced extreme alarm about the humanitarian situation and levels of violence and human rights abuses in South Sudan, as well as about hunger and food insecurity. It called for the immediate creation of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan to establish accountability. Switzerland noted that the ongoing impunity, violence, ethnic cleansing, and shrinking of civil society demanded immediate action. It called on the South Sudanese authorities to cooperate with the Commission of Inquiry, and supported the establishment of the Hybrid Court. United Kingdom deplored the level of violence experienced by non-combatants in South Sudan, noting that women and children bore the brunt of sexual violence. The lack of accountability for those crimes was the biggest challenge. The United Kingdom supported the Commission’s call for the setting up of an independent mechanism to collect evidence of human rights abuses.

Japan requested the Government of South Sudan to take preventive measures against gender-based violence, and to end impunity for violence against women. The national dialogue announced by President Kiir was essential to promoting national reconciliation. Belgium deeply regretted that the human rights situation in South Sudan had further deteriorated, including ethnic cleansing, sexual violence, the recruitment of children by the armed forces, starvation, and the blockade of humanitarian aid. Australia remained concerned by the ongoing violence in South Sudan which had led to the devastating famine. It urged the Government of South Sudan to work with humanitarian agencies to ensure lifesaving assistance for those in need, and called for a sustained and inclusive political process.

China said given the complex nature of the situation in South Sudan, China had supported African solutions to African problems and had also supported regional organizations. The international community should encourage all parties in South Sudan to implement the peace agreement. Netherlands expressed deep concern at the sexual and gender-based violence, mass rapes, ethnically motivated killings and wholesale destruction of villages. The Commission was asked to elaborate on how the international community could support South Sudan in preventing sexual and gender-based violence. Egypt welcomed the cooperation of the Government of South Sudan with mechanisms including the Commission, and shared the concern expressed by the Commission about the situation for daily life of South Sudanese citizens. Why had the Commission indicated that South Sudan was threatened by a civil war when that statement was not justified through statistics in the report?

Algeria welcomed the cooperation of the Government of National Unity with the United Nations Assistance Mission in South Sudan. The international community was called on to respond to the humanitarian needs of the population. Cuba had faith in African leaders’ abilities and reiterated support to them. Cuba believed it was vital to send more aid and support to rebuild South Sudan, and the Human Rights Council’s support was vital to that end. United States said the Commissioners’ report highlighted how impunity remained unabated, fuelling a crisis that risked spinning further out of control. The Commissioners were asked how the violence could be halted, peace secured, and all those committing, ordering or inciting violence be held accountable.

Botswana said that the issues raised by the Commission’s report painted a deeply worrying picture of the collapse of peace and security, and expressing alarm about the real threat of ethnic cleansing in South Sudan, called upon the Government to take all necessary measures to protect all its citizens. Sudan said it treated refugees from South Sudan well, including by providing them with access to health and education, and called upon the international community to support the people and the Government of South Sudan, a young country in dire need of assistance and not sanctions. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia strongly condemned the widespread sexual and gender-based violence, mass rapes and burnt villages, ethnic cleansing and other inhuman acts and mass atrocities in South Sudan, as well as reported starvation of over 100,000 persons. There was a major risk that the situation could become uncontrollable and that the militia fighting would continue to feed violence for many years to come.

Norway noted the lack of improvement in the human rights situation in South Sudan, instead human rights violations continued on a shocking scale and 100,000 South Sudanese now faced famine conditions in what had become a humanitarian disaster. The Government’s lack of responsibility for the fate of its own people and unwillingness to resolve the conflict was deeply disappointing. In light of the declaration of famine in February and the continuing deterioration of the human rights situation, Ireland said that the vast majority of humanitarian assistance was delivered by non-governmental organizations and noted with concern the undue restrictions on the operational capacity of civil society. Portugal urged South Sudan to abide by the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict, cease hostilities and conclude a permanent ceasefire, and to comply with its obligations to protect civilians, prevent future violations and ensure accountability of the perpetrators.

Albania stressed that the Commission’s mandate was crucial in addressing the grave human rights abuses in South Sudan. Armed groups systematically targeted the civilian population, including on the basis of ethnicity. Sexual and gender-based violence had taken on alarming levels. Slovakia noted that the situation in South Sudan was even more serious given the fact that human rights violations were often committed with ethnic motivation and could amount to genocide. It called on all parties to lay down arms and find a political settlement to the crisis. Spain appreciated the support of South Sudan in facilitating visits to refugee camps. However, it deplored violence and especially sexual and gender-based violence committed by security forces against women and children. Humanitarian access should be urgently established, as well as the setting up of the Hybrid Court. Morocco commended the efforts of the South Sudanese Government to implement the peace agreement. South Sudan should be continuously supported to ensure stability and address the humanitarian needs in the country.

Albania welcomed the report of the Commission, and expressed continuing concern at violations of international humanitarian law in South Sudan. The worsening pattern of gender-based and sexual violence remained an alarming issue, which Albania condemned in the strongest terms. Slovakia expressed deep concern at the deteriorating human rights situation in South Sudan, saying the situation was even more serious as crimes were often committed with ethnic motivations. The African Union was urged to operationalize the Hybrid Court, and the Government of South Sudan was urged to work with all the relevant forces for the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Spain deplored the continuation of all forms of sexual violence, and appealed to the Government to fulfil its commitment to address that issue. Women and children made up the vast majority of refugees, and the ethnic component of many murders was particularly concerning. Morocco said the authorities of South Sudan should benefit from assistance and support necessary to enable them to undertake measures. Morocco drew attention to the humanitarian needs of the country and called on the international community to provide it with support with a view to enabling it to face the famine in the country.

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, in a joint statement with 14 South Sudanese civil society organizations, urged the Council to renew and strengthen the mandate of the Commission to include the conduct of independent investigations into violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, with a particular focus on sexual and gender-based crimes and attacks or reprisals against human rights defenders. International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said impunity continued to fuel the violence and crimes committed in South Sudan. The Commission’s call for the immediate establishment of an international, impartial and independent investigation was strongly supported.

International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination said that in South Sudan, villages were looted and torched, women were raped, and victims were often selected by ethnicity. Perpetrators had to be held to account, and a peace agreement needed to be gender-responsive. CIVICUS said that South Sudan was on the verge of an ethnic war that had the potential to destabilize the entire region. There was a real risk of genocide if action was not taken immediately. Human Rights Watch stated that South Sudan was mired in conflict and serious human rights abuses, made worse by near total impunity for crimes on all sides. Parties to the conflict were urged to immediately cease all attacks on civilians, and release or charge detainees.

Amnesty International was concerned about the lack of accountability for serious crimes, including sexual and gender-based violence. There had been little progress towards the establishment of a hybrid court for South Sudan. Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme regretted that the Security Council had been unable to adopt the resolution that would have imposed an embargo on arms. If nothing was done, South Sudan risked becoming a new Rwanda. Maarij Foundation for Peace and Development supported efforts to promote human rights in South Sudan, as well as efforts to promote dialogue among different parts of the South Sudanese society. South Sudan primarily needed technical assistance so that it could provide basic services to its citizens.

Concluding Remarks by the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan

KENNETH SCOTT, Member of the Commission of Human Rights on South Sudan, responding to a question on whether there was a threat of civil war in South Sudan, said that the evidence pointed that an internal armed conflict had been ongoing since at least 2013. Since this conflict threatened to destabilize the whole region, the situation in South Sudan represented a real threat to international peace and security. In response to the question on the simultaneous operation of the Commission on Human Rights and the Hybrid Court, Mr. Scott stressed the need for careful coordination between all the justice mechanisms.

GODFREY MUSILA, Member of the Commission of Human Rights on South Sudan, said that the international community had a critical role to play in ensuring accountability for human rights violations in South Sudan, including through supporting the efforts to investigate, collect and preserve evidence. There were reasons to believe that international crimes had been committed in South Sudan and as this situation persisted, the investigation and preservation of evidence would be even more important. Another important role for the international community was to provide humanitarian assistance, and deploy all its assets in multilateral and bilateral settings to improve humanitarian access. The 2015 Peace Agreement had proposed a comprehensive solution to the armed conflict in South Sudan, of which accountability was one issue. The Peace Agreement was facing serious challenges in terms of implementation, including the constitution of the Transitional Government, this notwithstanding, there was a need to support the implementation of the Peace Agreement, and also support the national dialogue which was complementary to the Peace Agreement, and there were fears that this dialogue might take place outside of South Sudan. Finally, since the enhancement of the mandate of the Commission might be required, it would need to be accompanied by an increase in the resources allocated to it.

KENNETH SCOTT, Member of the Commission of Inquiry, said every crisis in South Sudan today was man-made. The crisis was caused by political elites in a contest for power where ethnicity had been weaponized to carry out the conflict. A root cause of the conflict was the deep impunity. It would not stop, and there would be no sustained peace in South Sudan until there was accountability. No-one beyond a few foot soldiers had been held accountable. Mass violence was committed on a regular basis with complete impunity. There was neither will nor capacity in the South Sudanese Government to provide accountability. It had been two and a half years since the African Union Commission Report had detailed horrible crimes, but not a single person had been held to account, which was a shocking failure. Justice and accountability were not separate from peace and security, but essential parts of a real and lasting peace in South Sudan. Given the lack of progress in the Hybrid Court since 2015, there was no reason to think a robust Hybrid Court would ever be set up by the African Union. Senior officials in the region had said it would never be set up. Both the African Union and the South Sudanese Government had failed to engage with the Commission to establish the Hybrid Court. Under the mandate, a transitional justice conference had been held in mid-February. The technical assistance had been offered to South Sudan but they had refused to participate, and thus essential evidence was being lost every day. Those not in favour of collecting the evidence were not in favour of accountability.

YASMIN SOOKA, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry, said the victims of South Sudan deserved justice and peace; they needed to return to their homes and their crops and they wanted to be self-sustainable. Ultimately, the primary responsibility for the protection of its civilians lay with the Government of South Sudan. If they could not do it, then the international community must take steps to ensure that those who were responsible for human rights violations and abuses must be held accountable. The international community had to end impunity, and the only way to do that was to document meticulously the violations and abuses taking place. They needed to map those who were responsible at a command responsibility level. Without that, they could not go forward.

General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

Venezuela, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, noted that all human rights were universal and interdependent, including the right to development, and should be promoted through dialogue and non-confrontation. Human rights should not be used for political ends. The international community should strive for inclusion, tolerance, mutual respect and respect for cultural diversity of States. The Non-Aligned Movement rejected the proliferation of country-specific mandates which were politically motivated and violated the principles of impartiality and non-selectivity.

Malta, speaking on behalf of the European Union, stated that the European Union was fully aware of the terrorist threat faced by Egypt and it encouraged the Government to open up space for civil society. In China progress had been made in the elimination of poverty, but there was still detention of human rights lawyers and defenders. In the Russian Federation concern was raised about the crackdown on civil society. As for the Philippines, the fight against the drug trade was legitimate but the high number of those killed in that fight was worrying. The European Union was gravely concerned by the continued violence and loss of life in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Slovenia noted that the Human Rights Council played an important role in the prevention of human rights crimes and therefore its early prevention mechanisms should be an important part of the prevention pillar. Slovenia reiterated its support for the rule of law in Ukraine, and expressed concern over the human rights situation in Burundi, South Sudan and Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine state.

Japan regretted that there was no progress in the dire human rights situation pointed out by the Commission of Inquiry on the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea three years earlier. “North Korea” was asked to cooperate with the United Nations human rights mechanisms, including the Seoul Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Japan was planning to submit a draft resolution on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at this session.

United Kingdom said that the Syrian people continued to suffer under the Assad regime, and war crimes had been committed in the battle for Aleppo. The United Kingdom was concerned about reports of torture and enforced disappearances in Egypt. The regime of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea continued to prioritize ballistic missile tests over the human rights of its population. The United Kingdom was also concerned about the continued detention of Chinese human rights lawyers. It did not recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea.

Germany remained seriously concerned about the human rights situation in Egypt, where increasing repression against civil society threatened to undermine the very stability that the Government was seeking. Germany was also concerned about the human rights situation in China, where human rights defenders and lawyers often faced arbitrary detention and other violations of their human rights. Russia was encouraged to actively promote independent civic engagement, including freedom of assembly.

Belgium said there was an alarming increase in the degrading treatment of human rights defenders, such as death sentences of minors in Saudi Arabia. Concern was also expressed about the situation in Egypt for civil society and the media, as well as human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo following the discovery of mass graves. Welcoming the release of prisoners in Burundi, Belgium also demanded an end to grave violations in reports on the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Egypt said the Council was being used as a tool against countries of the east, noting that in Sweden, the detention period reached up to 1,400 days, and that in the Netherlands, a new counter-terrorism law increased prohibitions on travel. There was excessive use of force by police in Caribbean regions, and as for Great Britain, they were calling for accountability but they did not hold former officials responsible. Concern was also expressed about the situation for human rights in Northern Ireland and Denmark.

Ecuador said the current international climate raised challenges for the Council. Migrants and refugees were stigmatized by countries of transit and destination, and in the opinion of Ecuador, the mentality of high walls was a serious threat to human rights. Ecuador thought asylum had to be approached from a human rights and not a security perspective. Migrants could not be called illegal because no human life could be called illegal.

Venezuela condemned selective practices by some Council Members which targeted the countries of the south, and the conversion of the Council into a forum to harass and selectively attack other States. There must be mutual respect, non-interference in domestic affairs and respect for the right to self-determination, which were key principles of the United Nations Charter. Venezuela rejected the slander campaigns to demonize some governments and promote foreign interventions.

Georgia remained concerned about the continuing armed conflict in Syria and urged accountability for those responsible for the most serious crimes against humanity, including through the International Criminal Court. Reports of ethnic cleansing and indications of genocide were of utmost concern, as was the humanitarian and human rights situation in eastern Ukraine and occupied Crimea. The human rights situation was deteriorating in occupied regions of Georgia, particularly following the closure of the crossing points along the occupation line in Abkhazia.

United States was concerned about the situation of human rights in Syria, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, South Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Egypt, civil society was struggling in face of restrictive measures, and arbitrary detention and torture of lawyers and activists in China unduly constrained civil society and religious practices, and denied rights to Tibetans and Uighurs. The new “Yarovaya” amendments to anti-terrorist laws threatened freedom of expression and religion in Russia.

China stated that the Council should uphold sovereign equality, impartiality, objectivity, dialogue and cooperation. Public pressure and politicization of human rights issues should be avoided. China had worked to promote comprehensive economic and social development in the context of widening global wealth gaps. The European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States had made unwarranted accusations against China, which were unacceptable. Those delegations forgot that they themselves had serious human rights problems.

Netherlands reiterated its dismay about the continuous human rights violations in Syria, and the shrinking democratic space in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It condemned the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by the security forces there against civilians. The Netherlands was worried by the increased arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, torture and sexual violence in Burundi. It condemned the dire human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and it supported the extension of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.

Cuba rejected manipulation and double standards in the Council, which should oppose politicization by certain countries which ignored their own human rights problems. It was difficult to believe that they were concerned about the countries of the south when they simultaneously waged wars against them. The United States’ accusations against Cuba were baseless. The United States was using the language of exclusion nowadays and it was in no position to set standards at the United Nations. Cuba would continue to create its own society without any foreign intervention.

Switzerland was alarmed by the repression against civil society in many countries, including Bahrain, where anyone who criticized the Government was affected. Reprisals against victims who reported human rights violations were alarming. The limitation of the right to peaceful assembly in Viet Nam was another source of concern. Switzerland encouraged Egypt to ensure a safe and favourable environment for civil society.

Czech Republic said that there were many actions against independent civil voices in both Russian and China. It was regrettable that the Burundian civil society was a systematic target by the authorities. The Government of Egypt was called upon to support a free civil society. The situation in Venezuela was not improving, with a number of dissidents remaining in jail.

Russian Federation said that with the trend of politically motivated resolutions being introduced in the Council, Russia was concerned that problems in a number of countries were not getting enough attention, such as racial profiling and excessive use of force by police in the United States, excessive use of special procedures by law enforcement in Germany, the Netherlands and Georgia, and a growing trend of ethnic and religious intolerance and fear of migrants in Germany and France. There was a worry for non-citizens in Latvia and Estonia, and in Ukraine, radicalism and neo-Nazism was on rise.

Canada said that this agenda item remained a critical aspect of the Council’s work as all States could benefit from the scrutiny of their human rights records. The high level of executions in Iran, including of juveniles, remained very concerning. Canada was concerned about the trend to restrict freedom of expression in a number of countries, including China, while the lowering of the age of criminal responsibility and the reinstating of the death penalty in the Philippines were worrying.

Denmark was deeply concerned about the suffering of Syrian people and about continuing settlement expansions in the occupied Palestinian territories. Egypt should take first steps to ensure fundamental freedoms enshrined in its Constitution, and the high number of executions, including executions of juveniles, in Iran, was deeply alarming. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea should take immediate steps to halt all human rights violations in the country. Human rights actors and monitors must be granted access in east Ukraine and occupied Crimea.

Right of Reply

Democratic People's Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, categorically rejected unfounded allegations against the country which were intended to put the pressure under the guise of human rights. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea therefore rejected any resolution on the situation in the country. The strengthening of its military capacity, including its nuclear deterrents, was legitimate and an inevitable measure of self-defence and must not be questioned by anyone. Japan continued to abuse the issue of abductions for hostile purposes, but should instead apologise and pay compensation for its own past crimes.

Egypt, speaking in a right of reply, said that Egypt had a law that organized the work of civil society and non-governmental organizations, and very few organizations violated it. Egypt said that those accusing Egypt did not know what was happening on the ground and were passing on incorrect information. The state of emergency in France and the new surveillance act in the United Kingdom were matters of concern. The counter-terrorism act in the Netherlands allowed security agencies to monitor communications.

Venezuela, speaking in a right of reply, said that it was once again a target of baseless accusations by the United States, the most interventionist country in history. In Venezuela people fully enjoyed their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United States was not in a position to be a universal judge of human rights. In the Czech Republic, there was severe discrimination against Roma, some of whom had been subjected to sterilization.

Turkmenistan, speaking in a right of reply, stated that citizens were guaranteed freedom of opinion and access to information. The important part of media coverage in Turkmenistan was done by international journalists. More than 20 newspapers and 40 magazines operated in the country. Journalists were invited to all important public events.

Philippines, speaking in a right of reply, said that it was conducting a campaign against illegal drugs. The campaign was supported by the Philippine people, and it was not fair to attack it on the basis of unsubstantiated statistics. The Philippines did not tolerate extrajudicial killings; instead, the police were instructed to follow strict protocols. All killings were thoroughly and impartially investigated, and perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Japan, speaking in a right of reply, responded to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regarding the abduction issue, reminding it that it had promised to conduct a thorough investigation of the abduction of Japanese citizens. The acts of abduction, including of young children, had caused serious concern. Japan urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to accept relevant recommendations in good faith, and reiterated its call to heed the international community’s encouragement to consider the dire human rights situation of its own citizens.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, rejected the absurd allegations of Japan, and reminded Japan of its past war crimes, especially sexual slavery. It also reminded of Japan’s violations of Korean residents in Japan, and urged Japan to take a sincere approach towards its past crimes.

Japan, speaking in a second right of reply, stated that its position on the crimes of the past was known. It was regrettable that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea did not respond with concrete actions to concerns voiced by international organizations and civil society, adding hope that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would take them seriously.

For use of the information media; not an official record

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Sécurité

La situation sécuritaire dans la région de l’Extrême-Nord demeure volatile et imprévisible. Aucun incident majeur de sécurité n’a été rapporté. Les opérations militaires conjointes des forces camerounaises et nigérianes en vue du démantèlement des bases de Boko Haram tout le long de la frontière entre les deux pays se poursuivent. Les autorités camerounaises, qui redoutent des infiltrations en territoire camerounais des membres de la secte Boko Haram, ont multiplié les opérations de bouclage et de fouille dans les localités du Département du Mayo Sava.

Développements majeurs

Le bureau de Batouri a procédé à l’exercice d’évaluation participative selon l’approche basée sur l’Age, le Genre et la Diversité (AGD) qui permet de faire participer la communauté aux processus de planification, de mise en œuvre, de suivi et d’évaluation de toutes les politiques et opérations du HCR en tenant compte des concepts arrêtés. Cette évaluation participative, effectuée avec la participation des représentants de l’administration publique, des agences onusiennes, des partenaires opérationnels, a consisté en la rencontre des groupes cibles pour la collecte des données relatives aux problèmes auxquels sont confrontées les communautés réfugiées. Leurs problèmes ont été priorisés selon leurs besoins et s’expriment en termes de protection, éducation, santé, sécurité alimentaire, abris, WASH, moyens de subsistance, etc. L’exercice d’évaluation participative a également été conduit à Douala, Bertoua, Maroua et Meiganga.

Une mission du Green Climate Fund, mécanisme financier rattaché à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur le changement climatique, a séjourné à Maroua du 6 au 7 Mars et à Batouri et Meiganga du 8 au 11 Mars. L’objectif de la mission était de recueillir les informations sur les besoins environnementaux des communautés et d’identifier les initiatives existantes dans les sites et les villages environnants. La mission a échangé avec les réfugiés des sites de Lolo, Mbile et Gado Badzere qui ont exprimé leurs besoins en espaces agraires, arbres d’ombrages, activités génératrices de revenus, éclairage du site, adduction en eau potable, etc. ; elle a également visité l’atelier de formation et de production de foyers améliorés et de combustibles (briquettes de bois) financé par la GIZ sur le site de Mbile. La mission s’est ensuite entretenue avec les autorités administratives de la Kadey qui ont résumé leurs préoccupations en termes de reboisement suite à l’exploitation intense des arbres, d’aménagement des pistes rurales, d’éclairage des zones et sites abritant les réfugiés, etc.

Une mission d’ECHO, qu’accompagnait le PAM, s’est rendue sur le site de Gado le 9 Mars avec pour objectif d’évaluer les activités du Cash Based Tansfer mises en œuvre au profit des réfugiés centrafricains qui y sont installés. La mission a rencontré le partenaire Catholic Relief Services (CRS) chargé de la mise en œuvre du programme, les membres du comité de plaintes et les focus groupes des femmes, des leaders et des jeunes qui ont exprimé les préoccupations des bénéficiaires des opérations de transfert monétaire. A la fin de sa mission, ECHO a formulé des recommandations aussi bien à l’endroit du PAM que de CRS et de la compagnie de téléphonie mobile MTN afin de mieux prendre en charge les réfugiés dans le cadre de ce projet.

Le 8 mars, les différentes communautés de femmes réfugiées vivant sur l’ensemble de l’étendue du territoire camerounais ont activement participé aux activités marquant la célébration de la 32ème Journée Internationale de la Femme aux côtés du personnel du HCR. Elles ont ainsi pris part aux différentes activités (marche sportive, campagne de sensibilisation, table ronde, défilé) organisées en collaboration avec le Ministère de la Promotion de la Femme et de la Famille et les partenaires humanitaires, autour du thème « Les femmes dans un monde du travail en évolution : une planète 50-50 d’ici 2030. »

Région de l’Extrême-Nord

Statistiques

Le camp de Minawao compte un total de 62 328 individus (16 784 ménages) enregistrés au 10 Mars.

Protection

Un total de 116 nigérians (58 ménages) est arrivé spontanément au centre de transit de Gourounguel en provenance des villages camerounais de Zhélevet, Tchakarmari et Mémé. Ils arrivent pour des raisons de réunification familiale, du fait des conditions de vie difficiles et de la peur des incursions des éléments de Boko Haram.

Protection de l’environnement

En vue de protéger l’environnement et par ricochet de promouvoir la coexistence pacifique entre les communautés hôtes et les communautés réfugiées du camp de Minawao, un total de 5 737 personnes (3 150 hommes et 2 587 CAMEROON : WEEKLY NOTES 06 – 11 Mars 2017 ISSUE #79 Discussion avec le groupe des hommes âgés de 60 et plus à Kentzou dans le cadre de l’évaluation participative. Ph. UNHCR/B. BILOA femmes) a été sensibilisé sur l’interdiction de la chasse et de la coupe de bois dans la réserve forestière de Zamai suite aux pratiques persistantes qui ont tendance à déséquilibrer l’écosystème dans cette zone.

Approvisionnement en eau potable

L’accès à l’eau potable demeure une préoccupation dans le camp de Minawao, surtout en cette saison de sècheresse ayant conduit au tarissement de la rivière saisonnière du Mayo Louti située à Guider, et donc de la diminution considérable de la nappe alluviale. La production d’eau moyenne par jour est de 540 m3/jour (18% de la mini adduction, 51 % des forages et 31% de water trucking dont 0% des camions CAMWATER) soit un ratio de 9 litres par jour et par personne. Il est nécessaire de combler le gap de 707 m3/jour afin d’atteindre les standards de 20 litres par jour et par personne. Les travaux de construction de l’adduction d’eau potable Mokolo-Minawao sont toujours en cours et leur réalisation est estimée à 96%.

Régions de l’Est, de l’Adamaoua et du Nord

Protection de l’enfance

En vue d’améliorer l’environnement de protection des enfants et d’encourager leur présence à l’école, les partenaires humanitaires concernés programment d’organiser dans les jours à venir des campagnes de sensibilisation concertée sur le site de Ngam afin de mettre un terme à l’implication des enfants dans les fabriques de briques de terre pendant les heures de classe.

SGBV

En vue de prévenir les violences basées sur le sexe et les cas de viols, neuf sessions de sensibilisation ont été organisées dans la région de l’Est. Un total de 398 personnes (257 femmes et 141 hommes) a ainsi été touché à Lolo, Mbilè et Timangolo sur le thème : « l’entrepreneuriat féminin, le renforcement du pouvoir des femmes et l’éducation de la jeune fille »

Biométrie

L’opération de vérification/enrôlement des réfugiés à la biométrie dans les régions de l’Est, de l’Adamaoua et du Nord se poursuit. Un total de 1 777 individus (924 femmes et 853 hommes) a été enrôlé au cours de la semaine sous rubrique dans les centres de Gaina et Kwele à l’Est. Ceci porte à 148 890 individus (78 866 femmes et 70 224 hommes) le nombre de personnes vérifiées depuis le début de l’opération en Février 2016. L’opération se poursuivra dans les localités de Bouli, Ndokayo et Taparé à l’Est.

Ajay Garg/Filip Andersson

The Malakal-based Indian Battalion of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has conducted a much-needed, two-day veterinary camp for locals and nomadic cattle owners alike. Two similar activities in other Upper Nile locations are scheduled.

The first camp took place on 10-11 March some 5 kilometres north of the UNMISS log base, along the road to Melut. Ongoing grazing in the area meant that it was attended by approximately 650 needy animals, including cows, goats, donkeys and camels.

Members of this motley lot received medicines, were subject to minor surgeries, or both. Their grateful owners, on the other hand, were educated on recommended precautions to take to keep their animals healthy, including instructions on how to deworm them.

Since the only veterinary clinic in Malakal was destroyed in clashes in 2015, the area has suffered from a considerable lack of health services for animals. For this reason, another veterinary camp is scheduled for 15-16 March and a third cattle clinic session, dates to be confirmed, in an area near the west bank of the Nile River. Local authorities have assisted in promoting these animal welfare activities.

Following a phone call with UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel issued the following statement today (12 March):

Today I discussed the measures required to combat the dramatic famines in the Horn of Africa, the Lake Chad region and in South Sudan with UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien. We will continue our consultations next week in Berlin. According to reports from the hunger areas, the situation there is desperate. Children are dying right before the eyes of the global public. If comprehensive international relief measures are not taken quickly, millions of people in the affected regions are at risk of starvation.

We are ready to take a leading role in preventing this. I assured UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien that Germany will double its support for the suffering people in the Horn of Africa by providing an additional 15 million euros in emergency funding. We are confident that other donors, too, will extend their assistance, which is so badly needed in the regions affected by the famine.

All of this can only be considered a first step. We now need quick concerted action by the international donor community. Without the massive and sustained commitment of the international community it will not be possible to bring help to those who need it in time. With this in mind I will hold talks with representatives of major international relief organisations and donor countries next week.

Of course Germany will have to further step up its support as well. I therefore assured the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator that we are ready to take additional measures in order to do our part in ending the hunger crisis.