Written question asked by John MacDougall (Labour) on Wednesday, 25 June 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 30 June 2008. It was answered by Shahid Malik (Labour) on Monday, 30 June 2008 on behalf of the Department for International Development.

Somalia: Politics and Government

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development if he will make a statement on the humanitarian situation in Somalia.

Answer: The humanitarian situation in many parts of Somalia has significantly deteriorated due to a combination of negative factors such as conflict, drought, hyperinflation and a broad economic crisis. The ongoing conflict continues to disrupt livelihoods, provision of services and delivery of relief assistance in addition to the directly caused deaths, injuries, and displacement. Since January 2008 the Department for International Development (DFID) has provided £17.9 million for humanitarian assistance to the worst affected areas. This includes £12 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to address the rising food prices in support of their recent appeals.

Secondary information