At least 200,000 civilian refugees have been "caught in the crossfire" of ongoing violence in Somalia, says a U.N. undersecretary.

Despite relief efforts, many refugees are suffering from malnutrition or have been separated from family while fleeing violence, said John Holmes, U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, at a Nairobi, Kenya, news conference Monday following a day-long mission to Somalia.

Battling between Somalia's government and insurgents increased this year, killing hundreds and creating an estimated 450,000 refugees, the U.N. said.

"The displaced people I spoke to told me about the difficulties they underwent. Those fleeing were arriving with nothing but a few clothes," Holmes said. "It is the civilians who are getting caught in the crossfire of this ongoing conflict. Violence, pressure and intimidation of all kinds are clearly getting worse."

Holmes will present findings from an eight-day mission to the region to the U.N. Security Council Thursday  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 04 December 2007   

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