UN General Assembly
1965

152. If I have so far concentrated on what may be termed the "political" aspects of the work facing this present session, it is not because the Somali Government is unaware of the importance of the less ostentatious but highly significant steps taken in the economic and social fields. The interrelation of much of this work can be amply illustrated by the emergency situation which the Somali Republic faced in the early months of this year, and which still continues. A combination of factors, some of a political nature and others arising from drought and famine conditions, have produced a very substantial influx of refugees into my country. We are therefore fully aware of the need for better co-ordination of, and improvement in the capacity for, United Nations assistance in cases of natural disaster. We endorse whole-heartedly the extension of the activities of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to Africa. We equally endorse the recommendations of the Council of FAO that the World Food Programme should be extended.