22/07/2011

Emergency Meeting Called For African Famine

The Chief Executive Officers of three of Ireland’s leading overseas aid agencies will attend an unscheduled meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade next week to address the emergency humanitarian situation in the horn of Africa.

Tom Arnold of Concern, Justin Kilcullen of Trocaire and Jim Clarken of Oxfam will all appear at the Committee meeting. The Committee held talks with seven Ambassadors of African nations, including the Ethiopian and Kenyan ambassador to discuss the crisis and determine how Ireland can best respond.

Committee Chairman, Pat Breen said: “The Horn of Africa is currently experiencing the most severe food crisis in the world today. Between 10 and 12 million people in drought stricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are severely affected.

“Ireland’s response has been acknowledged as one of the more committed, Ireland has donated €5.6m to meet the needs of the people of this region and has despatched 11 members of the rapid response core. However, the international reaction has been slow, with an estimated €800 million shortfall existing.

“By meeting with the heads of the agencies, who are currently on the ground in these countries and through our discussions with the Ambassadors of some of the affected nations, we will be able to assess the exact nature of the crisis and establish what measures Ireland can take to help avert the catastrophe.”

(BMcN/GK)

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