UK Minister for Development and Africa Andrew Mitchell will announce humanitarian aid to East Africa at the UN Horn of Africa pledge conference.
This vital assistance will enable the UN and NGO partners to continue providing cash assistance, water and sanitation services, and specialised health and nutrition treatment.
As more frequent and severe weather events affect vulnerable nations. The UK is assisting them to adapt and develop long-term resilience. The funding will enhance the climate resilience of communities. And aid those displaced by drought and extreme weather.
The UK, Qatar, the US, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) co-host the conference. In a video statement to the UN, UK Minister Andrew Mitchell will pledge £143 million for East Africa, £96 million of which will go to Horn countries affected by drought.
The Minister will call for long-term solutions to break the cycle of crises plaguing the region. As well as sustainable development and climate change adaptation.
A Humanitarian Assistance
Approximately 43 million people in the Horn of Africa require humanitarian assistance as a result of war and climate change. Following five failed rainy seasons, the Horn of Africa has experienced an unprecedented drought. With livelihood systems collapsing, millions displaced, and hundreds of thousands of children compelled to drop out of school.
The new funding from the UK will combat the crisis by aiding victims of gender-based violence. And granting families access to essential services, nutritional support, emergency food and cash assistance, and sustainable water supplies. Together, the UK, the US, and Qatar have committed £8.4 million for drought response and resilience support in Somalia, as part of their pledges made today.
In addition, the UK is pursuing all avenues to ensure safe humanitarian access in Sudan. And its support pledged today includes £21,7 million to address the urgent requirements of the population.
The UK continues to urge the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to abide by international humanitarian law. And permit access to life-saving humanitarian aid in Sudan.
