UNDP - United Nations Development Programme

Published purpose

August 2011 - The year 2011 is proving to be the driest year since 1951 in many parts of east Africa as a result of an increasingly severe drought. Successive seasons of failed rains, combined with increasing food prices, conflict, and limited humanitarian access, have resulted in food insecurity, water shortages, and acute malnutrition rates well above emergency thresholds. More than 12 million people are now in need of humanitarian assistance in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. With the support of CIDA and other donors, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is providing essential safety and security services in support of the broader international humanitarian response to the drought. This includes reporting on security threats and preparation of risk assessments for humanitarian agencies; security briefings and training for new humanitarian workers; and psychosocial support and stress counselling for workers affected by the crisis.