In response to the announcement that the Australian government is contributing $15 million towards the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa and Yemen, Anthea Spinks, Oxfam Australia's Program Director said:
"We welcome the announcement of $15 million to address the food security crisis in the Horn of Africa and Yemen as an important first step, however it is far short of the $150 million that we have been calling on the Australian Government to provide to prevent people sliding into famine.
"It is estimated that one person is dying every 48 seconds in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia alone, where the worst climate-fuelled drought in decades is being exacerbated by the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 economic fallout and surging food prices. The warning that famine is expected in Somalia as early as October highlights the urgent need for action.
"Governments can and must mobilise enough resources to prevent catastrophic hunger and a worsening humanitarian crisis. It is critical that the Albanese government act now and increase their contribution to address this global hunger crisis and fulfil its duty as a wealthy country."
