U.S. Humanitarian Aid To Somalia

Somalia – in the midst of a continued complex humanitarian emergency. 
Up to 2 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance and livelihood support, a 100 percent increase from February 2007, due to the cumulative effects of drought conditions, civil conflict, and large population displacements, according to the UN Food Security Analysis Unit for Somalia. Insecurity, sporadic outbursts of violence and border restrictions continue to impede humanitarian efforts, particularly in southern and central Somalia. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) cite pervasive harassment, intimidation, inconsistent taxation and registration policies, and increased delays at checkpoints as major obstacles to the delivery of emergency assistance.

Somalia – a people in need. 
The United States – answering this call.
The United States is the leading donor of humanitarian assistance to Somalia, with more than $156 million USD provided over FY 2006 – 2007, and $74 million to date in FY 2008. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of State have quickly mobilized financial resources to respond to humanitarian challenges:

Displacement – The total population of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Somalia is estimated to now exceed 1,100,000. USAID implementing partners continue to provide food assistance, emergency relief supplies, and essential health, nutrition, agriculture and food security, protection, shelter, and water, sanitation and hygiene services to those in need. USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance also supports coordination and logistics operations for international relief efforts in Somalia, and provided $22.5 million in FY 2007 and $3.8 million to date in FY 2008 to benefit more than 2 million people affected by repeated shocks of drought, floods, and conflict.

Refugees – The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) provided nearly $25 million in FY 2007 and $7.95 million to date in FY 2008 in assistance for Somali refugees and conflict-affected populations in the Horn of Africa and Yemen. PRM also provided $3 million in FY 2007 to the International Committee of the Red Cross for work with IDPs and conflict victims, as well as support to the UN World Food Program for refugee feeding programs.

Disease and Food Insecurity – In October 2007, the UN World Health Organization issued an alert for a potential cholera outbreak in southern and central Somalia. USAID implementing partners are providing cholera kits and oral rehydration therapy packets to affected populations, and working to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to reduce transmission of water-related diseases, such as cholera. USAID’s office of Food for Peace provided more than $35.2 million in FY 2007 and $76 million to date in FY 2008 in food assistance for vulnerable Somali populations.

In addition to our humanitarian response, the United States is committed to resolving the ongoing political and humanitarian crises in Somalia by working with regional partners to:

• encourage inclusive political dialogue amongst all key stakeholders and resume the transitional political process outlined by the Transitional Federal Charter;
• build the governance capacity of the Transitional Federal Institutions;
• support the full and timely deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

We are making this commitment because we understand the importance of lasting peace and stability in Somalia to stability in the Horn of Africa and the African continent as a whole.

• The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations that are conducting relief operations.
• Information on identifying such organizations is available in the “How Can I Help” section of www.usaid.gov – Keyword: Somalia or by calling The Center for International Disaster Information (CIDI) at 703-276-1914.
• USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, warehouse space, etc.); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disasterstricken region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.

More information can be found at:

• USAID: www.usaid.gov – Keyword: Donations
• The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or (703) 276-1914
• Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at www.reliefweb.int.