Monday, August 8, 2011

AU declares August 15 as Sensitisation Day for Somali refugees

The Africa Union Commission on Sunday declared August 15, an African Voice Day to sensitise African leaders to provide support for the humanitarian situation in East Africa, particularly in Somalia.
A statement in Addis Ababa by the Commission’s Information and Communications Department, said that the day would be used to build a momentum towards a proposed conference slated for August 25 in
Addis Ababa.

The conference is intended to raise funds in support of the Somali refugees in various camps in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.
It stated that AU will on the occasion renew its appeal to member states, the African private sector and the international community to make donations for increase humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Horn of Africa.

Dr. Jean Ping, the AU Commission Chairperson, had also urged all member states and other stakeholders to contribute to the ongoing efforts aimed at providing food to the victims of drought, famine and conflicts in Somalia and parts of Ethiopia and Kenya.

As part of the preparations for the conference, Mr. Jerry Rawlings, the High Representative of the Chairman of the AU for Somali, would embark on sensitisation tour to some African countries for fund raising.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that there are more than 11 million Somali refugees in various camps located in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

Source: The Nation

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