The United Nations has declared a famine in parts of South Sudan and has raised deep concerns about Somalia, which is on the brink of famine.

In South Sudan, more than seven million people require humanitarian assistance. Over one million children under five and nearly 340,000 women are acutely malnourished.

In Somalia, more than six million people require assistance. The risk of famine in Somalia is high and there are similarities to the conditions that led to famine in 2011.

Today I announce the Australian Government will contribute an additional $20 million towards helping more than 13 million people in South Sudan and Somalia suffering from critical food shortages caused by conflict and severe drought.

Australia’s assistance will provide emergency food and nutrition, health services, water and sanitation, and agricultural livelihoods support to vulnerable communities, particularly women and children.

Working alongside partners including the United Nations World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organisation, and trusted NGOs, Australia will continue to play a constructive and generous role in responding to these humanitarian crises.

This funding will bring the amount of life-saving humanitarian assistance Australia has committed in South Sudan and Somalia to over $120 million since 2014.