PSC/PR/2 (CV) Rev.1 Page 8 communities that are already facing an acute humanitarian situation, compounded by the disruption, as a result of insecurity, of the livestock and agricultural markets in Mogadishu, which provide crucial income for the producers based in the Lower and Middle Shabelle. It should also be noted that the fighting that took place in the Sool region between Puntland and Somaliland forces has also led to large-scale displacement. About 30,000 displaced people are reported to be vulnerable and in need of assistance. 29. The prevailing insecurity constitutes a serious constraint for the delivery of assistance to the needy population, especially as incidents targeting the humanitarian organisations and workers continue to be reported. Humanitarian efforts are further hindered by ad hoc roadblocks, including on the Mogadishu/ Afgooye road, which is a major area of humanitarian operations. Despite exemptions granted by the TFG, humanitarian workers indicate that they are often requested to pay taxes at these roadblocks, whose number reached 336 in the month of November 2007. As a result, the cost of transportation has increased, while the delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance is being further delayed. 30. In view of this situation, I welcome the discussions between the United Nations and the Somali authorities in order to address the problems being encountered and overcome the mistrust between the TFG and the international humanitarian agencies, as well as the pledge by Prime Minister Hassan Hussein that his Government will fully support the relief efforts. On its part, the Commission has seized every opportunity to impress upon the Somali authorities on the need to do all they can to facilitate the work of the humanitarian organizations and access to needy populations. 31. In spite of the challenging environment in which they are operating, the humanitarian organisations continue to play an important role in alleviating the suffering of the affected population. Thus, a “wet feeding” programme was initiated in Mogadishu, while food distribution benefiting about 180,000 people has taken place along the Mogadishu/Afgooye road. Furthermore, several WFP ships escorted by the French navy and carrying food aid docked at Marka seaport. Immunisation campaign aimed at reaching children and women in several settlements situated along the Mogadishu/Afgooye road have also been undertaken. It should be pointed out that the relief work in Somalia is carried out by local partners and national staff of international NGOs and UN agencies as the security conditions do not make it possible to deploy international staff. I would like to express AU’s appreciation to all the personnel concerned for their courage and dedication. 32. The Consolidated Appeal (CAP) for Somalia for the year 2008, which was launched on 11 December 2007, amounts to US$ 406 million, out of which a little over 26 million are already available. Among others, the priorities identified in the CAP revolve around the following: provision of assistance to about 1,5 million needy people; protection of, and respect for, human rights, and enhancement of local capacity for the delivery of basic social services and for disaster preparedness and response. I appeal to the international community, including Member States in a position to do so, to contribute financial assistance to cover the outstanding requirements of the CAP. The