United Nations Radio

Threats and attacks in Somalia are leading to cutbacks in humanitarian operations even as the number of people needing aid has increased by more than 70 per cent this year.

In Geneva, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of humanitarian Affairs Elizabeth Byers warns that "the situation continues to deteriorate," adding that "the humanitarian space is being reduced in south and central Somalia."

She explains that two UN personnel were injured in a roadside explosion which killed the driver in Marka.

The UN says Marka is a very important site as it is a humanitarian hub hosting six UN agencies.

In addition, a prominent elder who worked for an NGO in Belet Weyne was assassinated and two aid organizations have suspended their operations.

Care and International Medical Corps suspended activities in South/Central Somalia. The suspension of CARE alone will affect at least a million people.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says the kidnapping of two staff members of Doctors of the World brings to 23 the total number of aid workers abducted since January, with 12 still in captivity.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'05")