The Humanitarian Country Team Launches Flash Appeal for 33,7 Million USD to support Government’s appeal to save lives in Lesotho threatened by drought

Following the declaration of a drought emergency by the Government of Lesotho in October 2019, an appeal statement for urgent humanitarian assistance was launched by the Right Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Motsoahae Thomas Thabane on 16 December 2019. “The appeal we are making to you will ensure that the vulnerable groups in Lesotho are provided the necessary support to meet their basic needs,” the Prime Minister remarked.

The appeal indicates that a total of M1 165 675 698 ($USD 81 107 202) is needed to respond to the devastating consequences of the drought, of which the government has committed M165 675 698 ($USD 11 527 642) from its own funding sources, leaving a gap of M1 000 000 000 ($USD 69 579 560) to cover the needs of the more than 508 125 people who have been affected by the drought in all ten districts, according to the Rapid Assessment which was conducted in November 2019 by the Lesotho Vulnerability Assessment Committee (LVAC).

The Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) has indicated that rains for the 2019/20 are likely to be unreliable and in the period October to December 2019 and the country is expected to receive normal rains with the possibility of below-normal rains. In the period November 2019 to March 2020 normal rainfall conditions are expected with the possibility of above-normal rains, however, the episodes of dry conditions are expected in-between the good rains. The food security situation in Lesotho is therefore further expected to deteriorate until March 2020, with over 430 000 people or 30% of the rural population who will likely face food insecurity.

The Humanitarian Country Team Flash Appeal

To support the government’s efforts, the Humanitarian Country Team under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator Mr. Salvator Niyonzima has launched a flash appeal today in partnership with the Humanitarian Country Team partners, United Nations, Government, civil society, and other development partners in order to address some of the challenges faced by the Basotho people due to drought. The total requirement of the flash appeal is $USD 33,7 Mmillion which will target beneficiaries in the following sectors: agriculture and food security, protection, health, education, nutrition? as well as water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH).

The operational implementation of these sectors includes seven UN agencies resident in Lesotho, the Government of Lesotho, two international Non- Governmental Organizations and the Lesotho Red Cross in the targeted districts. These organizations will be undertaking vertical/horizontal expansion and adaptations to tailor interventions such that multi-sectoral and complimentary support can be delivered efficiently and effectively in full compliance with the humanitarian principles. “While appealing to the international community for urgent assistance, it is important that we work together effectively and efficiently during this critical time to make sure that no one is left behind”, said the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Salvator Niyonzima during the launch.