Clay Aiken is urging the world!!

Clay Aiken is going to be a DAD!!!
Clay Aiken is urging the world not to forget about Somalia.

The American Idol runner-up and a U.N. goodwill ambassador, appealed for world attention on the war-torn and hunger-stricken country on Wednesday.

"There hasn't been much discussion of Somalia since the early 1990s in the U.S.," Clay said during a visit to Somalia. "The American population kind of got a bad taste of Somalia in the early 90s and hasn't really had much interest in the country since."

In the past year, thousands of Somalians have died and one million were rendered homeless after insurgent Islamists rallied against the country's government and its Ethiopian military advisers last year. The violence and never-ending conflict has made Somalia "the most dangerous place for a child to be," Clay says.

"In the lower part of the country, southern part, I feel it's a more desperate situation than any place we've ever been," he says.

The diamond in the rough is the de facto independent state of the Republic of Somaliland, located north of Somalia. In existence since 1960, Somaliland remains relatively peaceful, but its independent status has yet to be recognized. Officials are hopeful a public figure of Clay's stature will shed more light on their difficult situation.

"In Somaliland, you really do have a sense of people who really want to help themselves, who want to do better, who want to effect change for themselves, that is very hopeful," Clay says.
Published 6/25/08 by

Callie 183 Callie

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Comments (50)

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  • It's nice to see finally a positive story about Clay. Why don't you add some positive videos and attractive pictures of him as well. It is obvious that whoever posts most of this stuff doesn't want anyone to like him.
    msa320 7/1/08 Reply
  • I hope that Unicef receives a good response to the plea. It saddens me to think of children anywhere without food, safety, housing and education. Keep it up dude, follow your heart.
    outback 6/26/08 Reply
  • Someone that truly "walks the walk". No matter what maybe going on in his life, that becomes secondary when it comes to helping out another person. There are SO MANY that could take lessons from him, but they will probably end up just dreaming up...
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Clay and all UNICEF Ambassadors should be applauded for making a difference in the lives of the worlds children. Clay and other celebrities like him are true humanitarians. They are truly making a difference in the world. How many of us can say...
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Maybe some so-called critics of this incredibly caring man should risk their lives for the common good.
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • It is nice to see a report on a celebrity trying to make a difference in this world. Such a refreshing change from the reports on dui's, drug busts and paid partying of the same old celebrities.
    Okay Clay and UNICEF you have our attention what do...
    musiclover 6/26/08 Reply
  • The dangerous and desperate circumstances in which many children live is a topic for which we all need enlightenment. It is a wonderful thing that Clay can provide insight for us and hope for the children.
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Clay's true passion is the plight of children worldwide and the fight for inclusion of children with disabilities. Clay is making a difference, and he inspires all of us to do the same.
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • It''s nice to see an entertainment show reporting something that is
    worthwhile and not made up or exaggerated.
    Clay's heart is what matters - especially to all the children he
    tries to help through his summer camps and all his work with Unicef.
    ...
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Please continue to focus on what really matters in the lives of celebrities. Those who make a difference are important role models for all. Clay Aiken has maintained his goals of doing what is right for the children of the world.
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Say what you want about this guy, but 2 things, he can SING and he seems to care and wanna change things. Cool!
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • This is the kind of news I like to see! Clay is doing something to make the world a better place. This is what matters! Not the stories made up or embelished by the media. I would love to see more stories like this about Clay and other celebrities....
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • the 12 yr old girl who asked if he would bring them food and a school really touched my heart. We take so much for granted
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Clay has proven time and time again what a brave, caring and unselfish man he is, and deserves to be recognized for his efforts. It is sad more positive attention isn't given to the celebrities that use their fame to make a positive changes in the...
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
  • Hey Insider~
    Thanks for your continual positive support for Clay, but honestly, the "Runner-up" comment is really not part of the equation, and never has been. Clay not only cares, but goes to the really dangerous places with UNICEF, such as...
    Anonymous 6/26/08 Reply
    • Clay went to parts of Uganda that were very dangerous where rebel armies opened fire on vehicles on the roads. He went to tsunami ravaged Banda Aceh and they were still having tremors. He's a brave man and yet in the US he's treated so horribly by...
      Anonymous 6/26/08
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