Greening: British Somalis must join our efforts to rebuild Somalia
Justine Greening visits London's Somali commuity
The International Development Secretary met with members of Hendon鈥檚 Somali community today to hear their views on how to create a more peaceful, prosperous and secure Somalia ahead of a major international conference next month.
Visiting Hendon鈥檚 BritSom community centre with Hendon MP Matthew Offord, Justine Greening pledged to present their recommendations to the London Somalia Conference as she answered questions about Britain鈥檚 拢80 million a year development programme in Somalia.
Speaking from the BritSom Centre, Justine Greening said: 鈥淏ritish Somalis across the UK have tremendous links back to family, friends and businesses in Somalia.
鈥淭heir time, energy and support is vital to help Somalia recover from two decades of conflict. I鈥檓 here because I want to hear people鈥檚 views on that recovery.
鈥淏ritain鈥檚 development effort is investing in peace and opportunity by helping Somalis to rebuild their country. We want to work with the Somali government, but also with Somalis living here in the UK, to strengthen the economy and governance so Somalia can become a more prosperous and safe country鈥�.
The UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Somalia鈥檚 President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud will co-host the international conference on Somalia in London on 7th May. The conference will provide international support for the Government of Somalia as they rebuild their country after 2 decades of conflict.
Britain has pledged to spend 拢80 million this year and next to tackle the root causes of poverty and conflict in Somalia. By 2015, our aid will help build up key government services, help 45,000 people to get a job and help 165,000 people access the schools, latrines, roads and health clinics they need to pull themselves out of poverty.
During the 2011 famine in Somalia, Britain鈥檚 aid helped over 300,000 people receive the food rations they needed to stay alive, vaccinated more than 1 million children against measles and gave many more safe water to drink. Britain also provided seeds and fertiliser and helped farmers to keep their livestock alive.
Notes to editors
- Pictures of Justine Greening鈥檚 visit to the BritSom centre are available from DFID鈥檚 press office.
- BritSom centre was established in 2008 as an organisation dedicated to the advancement of the Somali people in Britain. More information available here: britsom.org
- Click here for more information on DFID鈥檚 development programme in Somalia.