Deputy UN chief highlights Africa humanitarian problems

U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson on Tuesday emphasized that the international community must address chronic humanitarian needs and crises in Africa if the continent is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) before their 2015 deadline. “Africa is particularly vulnerable to the threat posed by climate change. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather are displacing populations, devastating areas, and generating competition for scarce resources that can even lead to conflict,” Eliasson said at a U.N. headquarters meeting of the African Regional Economic Communities. “These crises affect tens of millions of people every year. The poor and the most vulnerable, including women, children, and the elderly, are hit hardest. Individuals are devastated and whole economies can lose hard-won progress,” the deputy U.N. chief said.