The paper notes that in the Horn of Africa around 20.2 million children face severe hunger, thirst and disease, compared to 10 million in July. One person is dying every 48 seconds in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia. Congolese-Australian aid worker Lulu Mitshabu, will launch the paper. “When children starve to death it is an unspeakable tragedy,” said Ms Mitshabu, Africa Program Coordinator at Caritas Australia. “But we often overlook the broader effects, such as the surge in child marriages or the millions of children missing school. Australians are good and decent people and when things are tough they chip in. We all thank Australia for its generosity and urge the Government to give what it can to save lives.” The hunger crisis is particularly acute in Somalia, where it’s reported that up to 100,000 people have been facing ‘catastrophic hunger’ (source: OCHA). Faysel Ahmed Selat, President of the Somali Community Association of Queensland, who is also appearing at the launch, said that the devastating impacts of the crisis in Somalia are being felt by Somali community members in Australia.
“The Somali community in Australia is deeply distressed and financially affected by what’s happening with their loved ones back home,” said Mr Selat.
“Many are going without and sending money to family members who would otherwise have nothing. When you see your loved ones suffering from hunger, you try to support them at any cost.” Help Fight Famine spokesperson and Oxfam Australia chief executive Lyn Morgain, said Australia should invest to deal with both the immediate crisis but also have a longer-term strategy. “In the Horn of Africa, children are starving to death in increased numbers, and across the world more people than ever go to bed hungry and wake up unsure how they’ll sustain themselves or their family. The world is getting hotter, conflicts are erupting, new and unknown diseases are emerging. But food is essential. And through science, co-operation and investment no-one needs to go hungry.” Matt Coughlan 0400 561 480
