The world must put people’s lives before politics if is to stand any chance of aiding people suffering from the famine in Somalia, a group of 20 aid agencies said earlier this month in an open letter.
While aid is getting through in many areas, it is not at the level needed to address the seriousness of the crisis and hundreds of thousands of lives hang in the balance.
With predicted rains now bringing the threat of deadly disease, a range of restrictions are still preventing the rapid boost in aid that is needed to save lives.
The agencies said in their letter, “The spread of cholera, measles and malaria will have a devastating effect on malnourished men, women and children. Current restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian assistance are preventing the rapid scale up of aid that is so desperately needed in Somalia.”
The letter urged international governments to change their approach toSomalia and improve political engagement with the parties to the conflict, to make sure humanitarian aid is delivered without trouble.
A focus on military solutions is not the answer and could make things worse, the agencies warned. In the past military action has only led to increased death and suffering, and further reduced access for aid workers to areas in need.
They said, “Somalia’s recent history has demonstrated that military action has often led to increased death and suffering, and further reduced humanitarian access.
Lives will be saved through active communication rather than military action.”
The agencies called on all parties to the conflict to immediately let go of hostilities they may hold and allow aid to be delivered throughout the country.
“Never before have we faced such acute suffering with so many lives at stake,” the agencies said.
But they warned the crisis could soon get even worse, as the rains predicted for next month threaten to spread disease including cholera, measles and malaria that will decimate communities already ravaged by famine and malnutrition.
