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(Mogadishu, 4 December 2012) – A three-year Humanitarian Appeal for Somalia was launched today in Mogadishu. For the first time, the launch took place in Somalia. The appeal was presented by the acting Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. Stefano Porretti, to the Minister of Interior and National Security of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hon. Abdikarim Hussein Guled, who is responsible for humanitarian affairs.
The 2013-2015 humanitarian strategy targets immediate humanitarian needs of the Somali people and aims to enhance resilience and ultimately address the protracted nature of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. The appeal for 2013 is $1.3 billion for 369 humanitarian projects targeting 3.8 million Somalis in need. The strategy will be implemented by 177 national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies operating in Somalia.
“This is a humanitarian event, not a political one. It is the first humanitarian gathering in Mogadishu for over 20 years. Somalia and its people are happy that the humanitarian community is presenting the strategy to us on our home soil,” said Guled.
“The current humanitarian crisis can only be resolved through a concerted effort among local and international partners. We thank the international community for being generous to us during these difficult times and for supporting the humanitarian cause in our country. I call on all Somalis to support the humanitarian community in assisting our vulnerable people,” he added.
With 3.8 million people in need of assistance, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia is one of the largest in the world. More than 1.1 million people are internally displaced and over 1 million Somalis live outside the country as refugees.
“While the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains critical, the improvement in the food security situation and the new security and political landscape present opportunities to break the cycle of recurring crises brought on by drought and conflict,” said Stefano Porretti. “By strengthening Somalis’ ability to cope with droughts and floods we can prevent future shocks from developing into a humanitarian catastrophe.”
“The road to resilience will be long and difficult. There is an absolute imperative to continue supporting the humanitarian work in Somalia. The new three-year humanitarian appeal allows for greater continuity in programming and aims at responding to the existing emergency needs of the population in crisis in a sustainable manner,” said Porretti.
Fifty-seven per cent of the Somalia Humanitarian Appeal for 2012 has been funded, with over $668 million provided out of $1.1 billion. The global Humanitarian Appeal will be launched on 14 December in Rome, Italy.
OCHA-Somalia
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