Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Somalia

 

The following Security Council statement was issued today by Council President Peter Wittig ( Germany):

This morning the Security Council received a briefing from Catherine Bragg, Assistant Secretary General in the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), on the humanitarian situation in Somalia.

The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern at the famine affecting the Bakool and Lower Shabelle regions of southern Somalia and the acute malnutrition in parts of the Horn of Africa triggered by the drought.  They welcomed the mobilization of the international community so far, including at the emergency FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) meeting held in Rome today.  The members of the Security Council expressed their serious concern at the shortfall in humanitarian funding for Somalia, and urged all Member States to contribute to the Consolidated Appeal for Somalia.  They urged that the international community come together to prevent the crisis from deepening.

The members of the Security Council urged all parties to ensure full, safe and unhindered access for the timely delivery of humanitarian aid to persons in need of assistance across Somalia, urged all parties and armed groups to take appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and supplies.

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For information media • not an official record