UN expert: Zimbabwe hunger '~shocking' for country not at war

HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - A United Nations special expert on the right to food says Zimbabwe is on the brink of man-made starvation and the number of people needing help is 'œshocking'ť for a country not in conflict.

Hilal Elver said Thursday she found stunted and underweight children, mothers too hungry to breastfeed their babies and medicine shortages in hospitals during her 10-day visit.

She said the southern African country is among the four most food insecure states in the world. The others - Yemen, South Sudan and Somalia - have been ravaged by war.

Elver blamed widespread corruption, mismanagement, natural disasters, droughts and sanctions for the crisis. Zimbabwe is facing its worst economic difficulties in more than a decade.

More than 60% of the population of 16 million is now considered food insecure.