( dpa )- The United Nations appealed for 42 million dollars in humanitarian assistance to victims of the post-election violence in Kenya, which has killed 600 people and affected more than 500,000 people who have to rely on international aid.
John Holmes, the UN undersecretary general who coordinates emergency humanitarian programmes , said most of the money was needed for food aid in the coming six months, as well as emergency shelter and the early recovery and protection of civilians.
He said the UN was hoping for a return to normalcy and an abatement of the violence so that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need.
"As the political stalemate endures, aid workers remain concerned about possible new outbursts of violence that would trigger a further deterioration of the already difficult humanitarian situation," the UN said.
Initial assessments conducted by the UN and relief partners showed that food, protection, shelter, water and sanitation, disease outbreak prevention as well as non-food aid items are top priority needs.