Millions of people across Southern Africa face hunger as lockdowns imposed in the region to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic mean they are unable to access food, Amnesty International said on Thursday. The organization is calling on governments to urgently put in place social protection measures to uphold the right to food. Some of the residents told eNCA, a local 24-hour television news station, that they fear dying of hunger more than COVID-19. Approximately 20% of people are unemployed and without much needed social protection, are struggling to access food, health care and other essential services. “Governments must ensure that no one faces hunger and should put social protection measures in place to uphold human rights.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 16, 2020 22:52 UTC