ADDIS ABABA, March 31 (Xinhua) -- The UN Refugee Agency UNHCR on Friday said the prolonged devastating drought that has affected the Horn of Africa is bringing life-threatening food shortages for refugees in Ethiopia.
The UNHCR, in a statement issued Friday, said five failed rainy seasons since 2019 across the Horn of Africa have created a devastating drought that has affected millions of people in the region.
It said water sources have dried up, crops and livestock have been decimated, and people's capacities to support themselves have been eroded. Compounding the hardship, food prices have rocketed, making it too expensive for most refugees and local communities to afford even basics.
"The inevitable result is rising malnutrition rates, particularly among women and children who often bear the brunt of food shortages," the UNHCR said.
As the drought is expected to continue, the UN Refugee Agency said more needs to be done to ensure that refugees and local communities can meet their needs more sustainably. The UNHCR is working with regional authorities and non-governmental organization partners to provide aid.
