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The United Nations humanitarian office is releasing $ 100 million in emergency funding for seven countries at risk of famine in Africa and the Middle East amid the conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic, while the humanitarian chief says to return to a world where famines are common would be “obscene.”
An overnight statement said $ 80 million of the money will go to Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Congo, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen. Another $ 20 million has been set aside for “early action to fight hunger in Ethiopia,” where deadly fighting broke out this month in its rebellious northern region of Tigray.
Without immediate action, famine could be a reality in the coming months in parts of Burkina Faso, northeastern Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen. This would be the first time a famine has been declared since 2017 in parts of South Sudan, ”the statement said.
Returning to a world where famines are commonplace would be “obscene in a world where there is more than enough food for everyone,” said UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock.
The UN said the money will go to the most vulnerable, especially women, girls and people with disabilities.
The money is broken down as follows: $ 15 million for Afghanistan, Burkina Faso $ 6 million, Congo $ 7 million, Northeast Nigeria $ 15 million, South Sudan $ 7 million, and Yemen $ 30 million.
All have been destabilized by conflict or extremist attacks.
