And as we assume our Presidency of the UN Security Council in May, we are proposing an appeal by the UN Secretary General for a coordinated crisis recovery fund to provide immediate support for reconstruction -- and to which Britain will contribute.

BBC: In full: Brown security statement

In 2000, the UN launched an appeal for 25, 000 tonnes of food for Eritrea to feed more than 200, 000 people affected by a drought and by the war with Ethiopia over the border area of Badme.

BBC: Eritrea issues drought warning

Campaigns have been launched around the country to collect essential items and the UN has issued an urgent appeal for funds.

ECONOMIST: Sri Lanka