With the resignation this week of Somalia’s prime minister, more than 40 international and national humanitarian agencies working in Somalia – including World Vision and Oxfam – are warning that action is needed now to save lives.
The group of NGOs have issued a statement to highlight the dramatic deterioration of the humanitarian situation in south central Somalia.
Constrained access and deteriorating security is leaving humanitarian agencies with little space in which to operate in Somalia, and all indicators point to a deterioration of the already dire humanitarian situation.
“We cannot stand by while thousands of children and their families suffer through one of the worst humanitarian crises in our world today,” said World Vision Somalia programmes director Chris Smoot.
“World Vision is calling on the international community to intervene for the sake of thousands of families before it is too late.”
Barry Coates, executive director of Oxfam NZ, said: “Oxfam is also extremely concerned that a humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding and that agencies are unable to get safe access to tens of thousands of people who are fleeing Mogadishu.
“All parties to the conflict must respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, and ensure that humanitarians are allowed to deliver emergency assistance safely.”
The following statement of concern was issued today by more than 40 organisations working in Somalia:
“There is an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in south central Somalia. Tens of thousands of people are currently fleeing violence in Mogadishu adding to the up to 335,000 people already needing immediate life-saving assistance in Mogadishu and the Shabelle regions.
“International and national NGOs cannot respond effectively to the crisis because access and security are deteriorating dramatically at a time when needs are increasing.
“The international community and all parties to the present conflict have a responsibility to protect civilians, to allow the delivery of aid and to respect humanitarian space and the safety of humanitarian workers.”
World Vision has served in Somalia since 1992, conducting extensive relief programming such as food aid, livelihood recovery, water and sanitation, health, education and advocacy.
Agencies signed to statement:
Advancement for Small Enterprise Programmes (ASEP)
Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA)
Africa Rescue Committee (AFREC)
Agency for Technical Cooperation & Development (ACTED)
CAFOD
CARE
Caritas Somalia
Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD)
Concern Worldwide
Cooperazione Internazionale (COOPI)
Coordinating Committee of the Organisation for Voluntary Service (COSV)
Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
Diahonia Emergency Aid
Diahonia Sweden
Family Economic Recovery Organisation (FERO)
Gedo Health Consortium (GHC)
HARDO Relief and Development Organisation
Horn Relief
International Aid Services (IAS)
International Committee for the Development of People (CISP)
International Medical Corps (IMC)
Interpeace
Islamic Relief
MDM France
Mercy Corps
Merlin
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Oxfam International
SAACID Australia
Saferworld
Save the Children UK
Solidarite
SOS KINDERDORF
Swedish Alliance Welfare Association (SAWA)
Trocaire
VETAID
Veterinaries Sans Frontieres Suisse (VSF Suisse)
Welthungerhilfe/German Agro Action (DWWHH/GAA)
World Vision International
