UN: Asia's experience valuable

The humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa has many dimensions, but the solution rests in ensuring peace and stability in Somalia. And Asian countries can take a lead in resolving future such crises, says a senior United Nations official. "Conflict exacerbates all the things," said Valerie Amos, who is undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. "(This) is the worst drought in 60 years in the region. You have such a poor security environment in many parts of the country. And the agencies are not necessarily able to reach the people who are fleeing over the border into Kenya and Ethiopia." Global efforts are needed, and countries in the Asia-Pacific region can contribute in future crises because of their considerable experience in responding to natural disasters. "So many countries in the region have already taken the lead in terms of putting in place preparedness measures at the local level, at the national level and also at the regional level. And I think we could build on that," she said in an interview. Amos said that in recent years, China has improved its capacity to respond effectively to natural disasters, and its experience could be used to help other nations prepare more effectively. Amos also said efforts from all nations are vital to resolving humanitarian crises. "It's not about one country taking more responsibility than another. I think it's about all countries recognizing when you have a ... major humanitarian crisis and there are people who are in desperate need there is a responsibility to try to help those people." Efforts at local, national and international levels are vital in responding to emergencies as they are interconnected, she said.