Switzerland: IOM urges action to stem starvation in Somalia, Yemen, NE Nigeria

Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Over 20 million people in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and northeast Nigeria are facing extreme levels of food insecurity, the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.

Severe drought conditions, conflict, insecurity, extreme violence and/or economic degradation, have led to famine in certain areas of each country, IOM said in a statement in Geneva, adding that this is putting millions of people’s lives at risk and forcing millions to move in search of food and water.

IOM says it is working with partners – including other UN agencies, NGOs and governments – to respond with life-saving support in each of the affected countries.

“Inaction could mean the starvation of millions,” said Mohammed Abdiker, IOM’s Director of Operations and Emergencies.

“IOM and partners need vital resources to continue to help those facing drought, food insecurity and famine.

"We have an opportunity to stop famine from spreading and affecting more and more people throughout these four countries and others, but only if we move fast,” he added.
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