United Nations Radio

Nearly half of Somalia's people will require humanitarian assistance before the end of the year, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Young Somali refugee

OCHA says 3.2 million Somalis-or 43 per cent of the population-will need some kind of assistance, particularly food, for the next six months.

OCHA reports the security situation in Somalia has prevented relief agencies from carrying out their work in a systematic manner. Meanwhile, a $1 billion appeal for the country remains only one-third funded.

In parallel to the humanitarian crisis, OCHA notes journalists in Somalia are increasingly being targeted for attacks. Since the beginning of the year, five journalists have been killed and dozens more have received death threats.

This is Dianne Penn for UN Radio.

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