The scale of the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa is unprecedented. Drought continues to worsen in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, where 13 million people are facing crisis levels of food insecurity. Somalia continues to face a significant risk of famine, and famine has already been declared in parts of South Sudan.
Ireland continues to prioritise this region in our humanitarian response. The Horn of Africa crisis was discussed at the recent meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 15 May which I attended. The EU has regularly emphasised the need to address the root causes of the humanitarian crisis, to work for peaceful resolution of conflicts in the region and to respect international humanitarian law.
Unhindered access to populations in need and the safety and protection of aid workers are essential. Providing safe havens within conflict zones is extremely difficult, especially where the warring parties do not prioritise the protection of civilians. Such safe havens require a mandate from the UN Security Council where political will is often lacking.
Ireland has provided €120 million in humanitarian assistance in the Horn of Africa region since 2012, including €29 million in 2016 and €17 million so far this year. Our assistance supports our UN and NGO partners’response, with particular focus on improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, food and treating malnutrition.
Together with EU and UN partners, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and to advocate internationally for respect for international humanitarian law and the safe delivery of assistance to those most in need.
