The Netherland-based organization HIRDA has organized a meeting  on 15/09/2011 at 6pm held in Volkskrantgebouw,  Wibautstraat 150,  ground floor and invited many NOG’s and the public  to watch a short documentary related about the famine crisis in Somalia .  Fatumo Farah The executive Director reported on the current  famine crisis in the camps and its implications.  Also she told the meeting the horrific stories she saw in the camps and the need for more urgent response from the international community.  Jan-Joseph Stok,  a photographer  from the Netherlands who accompanied Fatumo for her visit in the IDP Camps was also present in the meeting

The Documentary which is produced by HIRDA was shoot in Gedo IDP camps and in Dhoobley refugee district .  It traces the dilemma of the Somali refugees and their disturbing accounts of their traumatic journey in to the camps. Moreover in Dhoobley district Somali film makers Ahmed Farah and Abdisalam Aato were reporting on the plight and tragic circumstances of those people in the camps.

The intention of exhibiting this film was the viewers to see the catastrophe of the famine-hit areas and to show the aid agencies the extent of the drought and the awful situation of the IDPS.

Muna Handule who was one the volunteers who was coordinating the program, has briefly explained the purpose of the meeting. The topic was “Somali Update Evening.  Dignitaries and representative from different NGOs,  aid agencies attended the meeting to take part for assisting the Somali famine crisis.

The Director of HIRDA recently paid a short visit to GEDO IDPS. She described what she saw in the camps as dreadful and  expressed the situation as the worst drought in 60 years.

It was very shocking to see mothers who were not able to feed their children because lack of necessary basic needs.  I also saw very  fragile elderly  people who have been  affected by the famine.  The extent of the tragedy was distressing and agonizing and inhumane. Fatumo also stated that she is not blaming anybody for the delay of not responding quickly,  but requesting from all will wishers to help those victims hit by the famine.

The Director made a strong appeal to the international community to take quick action and respond positively to the victims dying in Somalia. Fatumo told the participants that it was one of the worst famines ever experienced.

Fadumo continued in her talk that most of the  IDP’S she visited  in Beled Hawo, Dolow and Dayah village were from Bay and Bakol region. Their stories were terrible, some of them told me and my colleagues that they left their children on the road  because they were too weak to make the journey to the camps.  Fatumo said it was really heart breaking and has touched my feeling and emotions . On the other hand the Director has elucidated that food distribution has been made by HIRDA to Hudur and Beled weyne  districts.  The process is ongoing and HIRDA will continue their assistance to those affected by the famine.

Furthermore,  Fatumo has praised the Diaspora community’s role and efforts in helping and responding the urgent needs of the famine victims.  She also explicated that HIRDA is a non-political and non-governmental organization and that their role is mainly aid and relief.

Yasmin Allas who is a writer has briefly reported about the Somali community in the Netherlands. She urged the participants to unite and work together and avoid the fragmentation and the tribal conflicts.  She avowed that is the only way to bring back the Somali reputation.

Jan-Joseph a Dutch photographer who was the only person accompanied Fatumo to the camps has explained to the participants that what he saw in the camps is appalling no words can describe the devastation and suffering of the people.  He appealed to the participants and the Aid agencies to respond urgently to those dying in the camps because of starvation.  Jan-Joseph has praised HIRDA’s efforts and their contribution to support those who left their children on the roads.

An artist lady Filia who was one of the event organisers working with HIRDA on this particular evening has shown her feeling towards helping the affected drought victims.  During her presentation she was holding a Somali traditional fan (BABIS) and she urged all the organisations that are based in the building to take the fan in turn and put few hours of their time to support HIRDA in this matter

Don Van Lujin a member of the OXFAM NOVIB staff has explained their activities and continuous support to Somalia.  Also members from FSAN and SEDHURO attended the event.  It was the first meeting of its kind where a film was displayed which has been recorded in Somali and produced by a Somali non-governmental organisation based in the Netherlands.

All the participants acknowledge the pragmatic approach of supporting those individual hit by the famine.

It was a lively successful evening with an African music and dance and a taste of delicious Somali dishes.  The event was a huge success.

Finally,  HIRDA‘s Director Fatumo thanked the participants for coming and their valuable contributions to the success of the evening.

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