§ Mr. StreeterTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development if she will make a statement on the drought in the Horn of Africa region. [136623]
§ Clare ShortThe UN Special Envoy of the Secretary General for the drought in the Horn of Africa, Ms Catherine Bertini, visited Kenya and Ethiopia between 17–23 September. She found that there has been progress in addressing the effects of drought in the Horn of Africa region since April; food and non-food assistance provided through the United Nations, non-governmental organisations and Government has prevented a famine and set the foundation for recovery. Almost 1 million tonnes of food was delivered to drought affected people in the Horn of Africa countries between January and August 2000. She reported that the crisis is not over and millions of people are still at risk, and recommended that relief needs in the region should be reassessed this month with a new Interagency Relief Drought Appeal for the Horn of Africa being issued in December. We continue to respond to needs as they arise.