ICRC Triples Somalia Budget to Tackle Urgent Crises

(06 June 08 - RV) Somalia is facing its worst humanitarian crisis in a decade, and the situation is getting worse.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says worsening armed conflict, rising global prices of food and fuel, and severe drought in central Somalia are the main factors contributing to the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa nation.

The ICRC says it will triple its budget this year due to the worsening humanitarian situation.

The Red Cross’s spokesperson on Somalia, Pédram Yazdi, told us why the situation is so urgent.