Norway contributes another 20 million Birr in humanitarian assistance
20.09.2008 //
The Norwegian Government has decided to contribute another 20 million Birr in humanitarian assistance to Ethiopia. The situation for the civilian population in the affected areas is serious. In particular the Somali- and Afar regions is seriously affected by the continous drought situation, a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo states.
The contribution comes on top of earlier contributions of about 90 million Birr, and comes as a direct respons to the appeal by John Holmes, the UN Humanitarian coordinator, who visited Ethiopia a couple of weeks ago. The Norwegian government responded quickly to the appeals made earlier this year. The latest contribution will be channelled through FAO and the UN Humanitarian Response Fund, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Total Norwegian contributions to alleviate the current drought situation now stands at more than 110 million Birr.