United Nations Radio

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that Djibouti is currently facing a humanitarian crisis driven by a combination of factors, including several years of drought, insufficient rain, and the sharp rise in global food and fuel prices.

In response to the situation, the Government of Djibouti and the UN system have launched a joint appeal for nearly $32 million. The appeal covers a period of six months.

Meanwhile, the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated an additional $30 million to help alleviate the suffering of millions of people in 12 countries, who are severely affected by the global food crisis.

In addition to Djibouti, other recipients include Eritrea, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Lesotho, Madagascar, Niger, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Yemen and Zimbabwe.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 53")