U.N. Urges Action to Avert Famine
U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said Tuesday that famine could still be avoided in the Horn of Africa but that the ongoing war between Ethiopia and Eritrea is deterring donors from sending aid.
“If those who have the capacity to help do so, we might be able to avert a disaster,” Annan told reporters after meeting with U.N. special envoy Catherine Bertini.
Bertini unveiled a series of recommendations to help keep mass starvation at bay in the region at risk. She said the United Nations will launch an appeal next month for assistance for the 16 million people who are threatened by a third straight year of drought.
“So many people are living on the brink. That is why it is critical that donors come forward now,” she said.
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