Washington Post: Starving to death
Wars in four countries have left 20 million people on the brink
Our world produces enough food to feed all its inhabitants. When one region is suffering severe hunger, global humanitarian institutions, though often cash-strapped, are theoretically capable of transporting food and averting catastrophe.
But this year, South Sudan slipped into famine, and Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen are each on the verge of their own. Famine now threatens 20 million people — more than at any time since World War II. As defined by the United Nations, famine occurs when a region’s daily hunger-related death rate exceeds 2 per 10,000 people.
The persistence of such severe hunger, even in inhospitable climates, would be almost unthinkable without war.
Each of these four countries is in a protracted conflict. While humanitarian assistance can save lives in the immediate term, none of the food crises can be solved in the long term without a semblance of peace. The threat of violence can limit or prohibit aid workers’ access to affected regions, and in some cases, starvation may be a deliberate war tactic.
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More News On Four Countries Facing Famine
Millions across Africa, Yemen could be at risk of death from starvation – UN agency -- UN News Centre
Africa and Yemen face mass starvation and drought, UN refugee agency warns -- The Independent
UN warns of 'mass deaths' as famine threatens 20m in Yemen and three African states -- International Business Times
Risk of Death from Starvation Grows in Africa -- VOA
Famine in Somalia: Twice in six years? -- IRIN
Famine in South Sudan worsens as 290,000 people face extreme hunger -- AP
Millions in Yemen on brink of famine, situation ‘close to a breaking point,’ warns UN agency -- UN News Centre
Feed the starving? Guns are the true cause of hunger and famine -- Simon O'Connell, The Guardian
Famine’s frontiers: Why the UN is warning Africa and Yemen are at risk of starvation -- Globe and Mail/AP/Reuters
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