The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) joins the world in celebrating the World Humanitarian Day under the theme “ONE Humanity” and calls for more protection and dignity for the people affected by humanitarian crisis and adopts laws and policies that reduce their sufferings in order to attain its goal of improvement of the quality of life and prosperity of people in the IGAD region.

IGAD has over the years participated in global consultations like the one what was held in Geneva in Oct 2015 as preparation for the summit in Istanbul in May 2016.

IGAD like other international organizations is committed to support people affected by humanitarian crisis in the world and most especially in the IGAD region; known to be affected by many conflicts and natural disasters such as drought.

IGAD is committed to facilitating and coordinating humanitarian aid for its affected population in the Horn of Africa and ensuring that aid workers and organizations can efficiently and safely deliver to those in need.

The Executive Secretary His Excellency Mahboub Maalim emphasizes that “Aid should be delivered on time and in appropriate places. IGAD can bring together all local and international actors to work jointly and efficiently putting people and communities at the forefront”

Amb Maalim added that IGAD has over the years committed to providing the necessary means to address and reduce humanitarian sufferings in the region through mediating between conflicted parties and work to end drought disaster emergencies in the region through its IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI) Program.

IGAD is home to large numbers of displaced people and known home to 5.4 million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and two million refugees accounting for 65% and 55% of the IDPs and refugees in Sub Saharan Africa respectively.