United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (New York)
3 September 2008
press release
Addis Ababa — On the second day of his second visit to Ethiopia, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes visited Jijiga, Lafa’isa and Kebridehar in Somali Region, where he spoke with those affected by the region’s ongoing humanitarian crisis and pressed home the need to strengthen humanitarian activities.
After meeting with the President of Somali Regional State, Mr. Holmes traveled to Lafa’isa refugee screening centre, where he spoke both with asylum seekers from Somalia and with Ethiopians desperately seeking humanitarian assistance.
“A great many Ethiopians have come to Lafa’isa due to the drought, the effects of which are made worse by current high food prices and conflict in the Somali region,” said Mr. Holmes. “In the absence of humanitarian assistance, Ethiopians attempt to adopt the status of asylum seekers in the hope of accessing food, shelter and medical care. While they may not be asylum seekers, they live in grim conditions and need immediate assistance.”
Afterwards, Holmes travelled to Kebridehar, where he visited the local hospital which, with assistance from the nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) Medicine du Monde and Samaritan’s Purse, treats malnourished children – victims of Ethiopia’s drought and global food crisis. Somali
Region is experiencing the worst emergency since 2001 following the failure of three consecutive rainy seasons. More than one million people are being assisted through emergency food aid. Water is scarce, forcing emergency interventions to continue even throughout the rainy season.
“It is critical that the presence of NGOs and other humanitarian actors be expanded as soon as possible in this region,” said Mr. Holmes. “Mothers and children are in desperate need of food and water. Strengthening the response, including transparent and ongoing assessments, will be the key to saving lives.”
On the third and final day of his visit, the Emergency Relief Coordinator will meet with the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Tekeda Alemu. Mr. Holmes will conclude his mission to the country by briefing the press about his mission.
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