UN Expert Says Nearly 4 Million People In Niger Face Catastrophic Famine
New York, Jun 23 2005 2:00PM
With less than a quarter of the $16 million in requested emergency funds coming in for drought-stricken Niger, one-third
of the population, or nearly 4 million people, face a catastrophic famine, according to the United Nations expert on the
right to food Jean Ziegler.
The persistent drought and the invasion by many thousands of locusts have destroyed an already fragile agriculture and
despite the measures taken by the government in Niamey, "catastrophe is imminent," he said in a statement issued
yesterday.
He noted that the UN had appealed for $16 million for Niger but only $3.8 million had come in so far.
Mr. Ziegler said Niger had a rapid response mechanism in place to help the population but needed funds to replenish it.
ENDS