What is the Government doing to address the shortfall in aid and funding to combat famine in East Africa? Lords Committee asks

In the letter the Committee acknowledges the significant efforts made by the Government to provide funding in the region. However, it raises concerns about the considerable funding deficit against the backdrop of food insecurity and famine faced by millions in the region, exacerbated by the fallout from the war in Ukraine an unprecedented drought and the after-effects of the pandemic. The letter also sets out evidence from aid organisations of the scale of the problems in the area with a devastating forecast of increasing childhood malnutrition across the Horn of Africa.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns, Chair of the International Relations and Defence Committee said:

“We have previously raised concerns about the reduction in official development assistance and the effects of this cut across Africa. Now we find ourselves facing an imminent culmination of crises across East Africa and the Horn of Africa that will, if not sufficiently addressed, result in millions of men, women and children facing famine and starvation.

“The Committee acknowledges and welcomes the efforts made by the Government to tackle the situation, but would welcome further information on additional steps being taken to combat the crises across the region, especially as the assistance already provided falls well short of any projected need and constitutes only half of the necessary requirements to respond to the famine in 2017.

“We look forward to receiving and considering the Government’s response.”