Aid Agencies Call for Bipartisan Support to Save Lives
22 September 2011 at 3:13 pm
Australia’s World Vision and Oxfam have joined 18 other international aid agencies calling for government action to help lives in Somalia.
In an open letter published today, the agencies said the humanitarian imperative of saving lives must override any political considerations.
The letter says Somalia is at a turning point with hundreds of thousands of lives hanging in the balance as torrential rains threaten to increase the suffering of Somalis already weakened by decades of drought, famine and disease.
The agencies warn against military action to facilitate the delivery of aid, welcoming instead support from some donor governments for inclusive dialogue.
The letter urges international governments, including the Australian Government, to increase diplomatic efforts with the conflicting parties in Somalia to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.
“Despite our best efforts we know that many lives will be lost. Yet we are faced with a window of opportunity, a critical period where a change in approach – putting people before politics – could save thousands of lives.”
