UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL HUMANITARIAN ENVOY MEETS ERITREAN PRESIDENT AFWERKI

 

ASMARA/NEW YORK, 26 April (OCHA) -- In Eritrea today, on the first leg of his five-nation mission to the drought-stricken countries of the Horn of Africa, United Nations Special Humanitarian Envoy, Kjell Magne Bondevik, met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and other senior Government officials, as well as with representatives of United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations and donor countries.

During their discussions, President Afwerki indicated his willingness for renewed dialogue with the humanitarian community on issues that looked to the future and with a clear agenda, noted Mr. Bondevik.  However, the issues raised must be in accordance with the Government’s existing programmes.

“This mission can be seen as an opening for further dialogue on how best to deliver humanitarian assistance and support the Government’s efforts in ensuring long-term solutions to food security challenges in Eritrea for the future," stated Mr. Bondevik.

The Special Humanitarian Envoy conveyed to the President that the United Nations and its partners were in Eritrea to support the work of the Government with its existing food security programmes.  Noting the Government’s overall objective to reduce the need for humanitarian assistance, Mr. Bondevik underlined that the United Nations was firmly committed to assisting the Government of Eritrea, and that he would concentrate on securing the necessary resources for immediate humanitarian needs and long-term food security interventions in support of government initiatives.  He commended Eritrea on the projects that had been implemented so far with a view to achieving self-reliance.

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

“My task is to play a coordinating role between all stakeholders and encourage Governments of this region to link humanitarian relief assistance to long-term development aimed at improving food security,” said the Special Humanitarian Envoy.  He added that he would advocate for increased funding to the regional appeal for the drought crisis in the Horn of Africa.

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed the former Prime Minister of Norway as Special Humanitarian Envoy in February 2006, in response to the recurrent drought and food insecurity that is threatening the lives of 11 million people and devastating the region.  To mobilize assistance for those at risk, the United Nations has also launched a $426 million humanitarian appeal for the region and has made emergency grants from the new Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) available to jump-start lifesaving activities ahead of the anticipated donor response.

For further information, please call:  Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679; Kristen Knutson, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 9262; Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile, +41 79 473 4570.

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For information media • not an official record