Plan International UK responds to Horn of Africa Pledging Summit

“The Horn of Africa is facing a hunger crisis of catastrophic proportions. As millions of families struggle to survive, girls are increasingly taken out of school, forced into domestic labour and left to eat last and least. It is no exaggeration to say this crisis will cause generational setbacks in gender equality.

“Today’s pledging event offered a critical opportunity for the UK Government to step up and save lives, as the UK did in 2017 when it provided over £860 million to help prevent famine in East Africa. But they have simply not done enough. The UK’s £143 million pledge, for both the Horn of Africa hunger crisis and the conflict in Sudan, falls devastatingly short of the minimum required to prevent further disaster.

“Girls have had enough of empty stomachs, empty classrooms and empty promises. The UK Government must redouble their efforts and urgently increase their funding commitments to stop this humanitarian catastrophe spiralling further out of control.”

For media interviews or more information, please contact:  

Tom Phillips 
Senior Press Officer  
Email: tom.phillips@plan-uk.org   
Mobile: + 44 (0)7946 648 533 

About Plan International UK  

Plan International UK is a global children’s charity. We work to give every child the same chance in life.  

In every child there’s a spark of imagination, curiosity and ambition. But not every child is born with the same opportunities.   

When you face poverty or violence the odds are stacked against you. When you’re a girl it’s even harder to be safe, in school and in charge of your body.   

All children deserve an education, health care and clean water. All children deserve the chance to thrive.   

We’re fighting so every child, especially every girl, knows their value. We’re fighting so the communities they’re growing up in – and the world around them – value them too.   

And if disaster strikes we’re there to protect children, keep them learning and help them recover.