After yesterday’s alarm from Guillermo Bettocchi, representative of the United Nations High Commission for the Refugees (Unhcr) to Somalia, who defined the situation as "the most urgent humanitarian emergency in the world now, even worse than that of Darfur”, the Italian NGOs are trying to find answers. "The response of the Italian NGOs to the humanitarian crisis in Somalia – states Sergio Marelli, President of the Association of Italian NGOs is to continue and strengthen, if possible, the work they have carried out over these years". Relations with Somali society have led to organise an international conference on the promotion of dialogue and peace in Somalia, which is due to start in Rome on 5th February (lasting until 8th). Organised by prominent figures from associations, the academic and business world of several regions of Somalia and the diaspora, with the support of Intersos, working on behalf of the Association of Italian NGOs, the conference aims at being "an important step" for Somalia, which has been living 17 years at war and without any veritable state institution. Over the four days of the workshop, two of which will be held "behind closed doors", intellectuals, social workers and businessmen from Somalia and the diaspora will meet "and lay the foundations for a new platform from which to start and change the future of Somalia". ” “
