Desperate mothers forced to flee home in search of food in Somalia
Like many other countries across east Africa, Somalia is on the brink of famine. Meet mums Mumina and Aftin who share their story of how they've been affected by the hunger crisis.
Armed conflict, violence and insecurity perpetuate hunger. In fact, they have been the number one driver of acute food insecurity since 2017.
Over 70% of the 193 million people living with acute food insecurity in 2021 were driven there by conflict. No other driver of hunger comes close.
Conflict affects food security and nutrition in many ways: it can reduce the amount of food available, disrupt food production and people’s ability to access food, food markets and health care.
Those who survive conflict will have their lives blighted. Many will have their future health, wealth and wellbeing compromised. As a result, they’re more likely to raise their children in poverty and hunger.
What’s the solution?
Intentionally starving civilians, destroying hospitals, houses and roads and stopping people getting aid are war crimes. And too often, populations and communities are the ones bearing the brunt. In 2018, our advocacy efforts contributed to the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2417, which recognises the link between conflict and hunger and condemns starvation as a weapon of war. We’re now campaigning to ensure it is upheld.
Resolution 2417 aims to hold those using food security as a strategy in conflict accountable for their actions. But it won’t solve hunger on its own. It isn’t enough when people don’t have any means to get food in the first place.
That’s why our teams and partners work in the world’s most dangerous places to reach people in need.
