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30 December 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in December 2024
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Press Release
16 December 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Ethiopia and Somalia
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03 December 2024
Helping resolves disputes through nonviolent communication in Somalia
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The Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Somalia:
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16 December 2024
Irrigation project pour forth for displaced Somalis in Baidoa
Baidoa – Aden Sheikh Issack has a small allotment on an eight-acre communal farm in Barwaqo, a small settlement of internally displaced people (IDPs) on the outskirts of Baidoa in Somalia’s Bay region. He fled there when the conflict and hunger in his former residential area became too much to bear.At first, it was not easy surviving as a displaced person with large family but – with some external assistance – the farm has become productive and allows him to look after his wife and 11 children, as well as sell extra produce to local markets.The 50-year-old was proud to show off his farm recently to visit from the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF) – a multi-donor fund supporting Somalia’s development priorities. The visitors included representatives of the Somali government and the United Nations, and they had come to see firsthand the impact of the irrigation project which has ramped up the farmer’s output of maize, sugarcane and vegetables.“The irrigation project has been very beneficial, and we are already seeing its positive impact. I have been a beneficiary of this project since 2019 and I see better days ahead,” said Mr. Issack during the delegation’s recent visit to Barwaqo.Like Mr. Issack’s family, many local households have benefitted from the SJF’s Saameynta (transl.: ‘impact’) Programme – an eight-acre solar-powered, micro-irrigation drip serviced by a communal borehole, and set up to assist IDPs on land provided by the government.“This farm supports 57 families, with the smallest family having six members. This means we are talking about a minimum of 340 people. The total number is around 400 to 500 people and, out of the 57 families, 43 are led by women, including single mothers,” said the Director of Coordination and Monitoring in the federal government of Somalia’s Ministry of Planning, Mahamud Sicid Nur, told the visiting delegation.The four-year project will directly support 25,000 households and indirectly assist 150,000 people in South West State and Puntland, in the country’s north, by the end of 2025. International supportThe Saameynta Programme aims to provide durable solutions and scale up investments in mixed-use land development packages through drip irrigation, infrastructure improvement and small-scale business expansion. It is jointly implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), with funding provided through the SJF.According to the SJF’s manager, Peter Nordstrom, Saameynta has made important contributions to improving the economic status of displaced families. “The benefits of drip irrigation in arid or semi-arid environments are evident and its potential for creating sustainable livelihoods for communities is significant,” Mr. Nordstrom said.“At the same time,” he added, “access to land is at the heart of durable solutions for Somalia’s displacement crisis. Here in Barwaqo, the municipality has generously provided the land used for this communal farm but it is only serving a small portion of the IDP population.” Local authorities are keen to expand the project after having experienced its benefits.“In the past, we used to space the crops by about two metres when planting, but now we only space by 10 centimetres due to drip irrigation. This approach is new to us, and we are really impressed by the increased production,” Mr. Isaack told the visiting delegation.“Drip irrigation has also reduced our harvest times,” he continued. “We used to wait three months to harvest, but now we can harvest in just 15 days.”The trip was the SJF’s first joint UN-government monitoring mission, giving participants a firsthand look at the progress of ongoing programmes in the region. It was designed to explore synergies and to strengthen linkages within the SJF portfolio on the ground so as to facilitate more effective monitoring, foster learning and maximize impact through strategic collaboration and coordination between among the Federal Government of Somalia, local authorities and the United Nations.The visit also served as a platform for engaging directly with local authorities and community members.“Previously, displaced persons used to depend on aid, but now they have transitioned into farmers, producing their own food,” said the South West State’s Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, Hussein Mohamud Sheikh Hussein. “They are now food secure and sell any surplus to earn income,” he added. “This shows that we are gradually shifting from food dependency to self-sufficient farmers.”Critical funds Launched in 2023, the SJF is a multi-donor trust fund backed by Canada, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the European Union. It aims to strengthen partnership between the Somali Government, the United Nations and international partners in support of Somalia’s national development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Country-level pooled funds like the SJF are critical for the United Nations’ ability to better support development aspirations of the countries it operates in through the provision of the necessary flexibility to respond to complex challenges facing Somalia and to maximize synergies across the UN system through joint action.Originally established in 2014 and formerly known as Somalia Multi-Partner Trust Fund, the SJF is also one of the largest country-level development funds globally with more than $500 million in contributions since inception.
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Press Release
02 July 2024
Federal Government of Somalia and United Nations convene the 2024 meeting of the Joint Steering Committee of the UN Cooperation Framework for Somalia (2021-2025)
The meeting of the Joint Steering Committee was co-chaired by the Minister for Planning, Investment and Economic Development, His Excellency, Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene) and the UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. George Conway. His Excellency. Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene) acknowledged the significance of the partnership in support of Somalia’s development priorities. “The Cooperation Framework is a testament to our strong partnership with the UN, driving forward our national development agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are committed to ensuring that the progress we make together translates into tangible improvements in the lives of the Somali people,” said, Minister, Mohamud.Speaking during the event, Mr. George Conway explained the annual Joint Steering Committee for the UN Cooperation Framework provides a platform to take stock and recalibrate our engagement to ensure alignment with the vision and aspirations of the country.“Five-year plans such as the UN Cooperation Framework are important to hold us accountable to commitments made. Under leadership of His Excellency the President, Somalia is conceiving a centennial Vision 2060 that seeks to capture Somali aspirations for their country. Providing a longer-term vision to guide short- and medium-term efforts will be helpful both in the finalization of the next National Transformation Plan as well as our next UN Cooperation Framework," said, Mr. Conway. The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2021-2025) is the UN's multi-year strategic plan to guide the UN’s collective contribution to the realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals in Somalia.—————————————————————————————————— FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: Communication Unit Department, Ministry of Planning, Investment and Economic Development | Email: Info@mop.gov.so Abdilatif Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252614125028 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
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23 December 2021
Somalia is on the path of recovery, but real challenges remain
I arrived in Somalia in September 2019, two decades after having worked here previously. I knew that I was taking up a challenging assignment, but I was also looking forward to seeing Somalia’s progress. Afflicted by decades of conflict, recurrent climatic shocks, disease outbreaks and poverty, Somalia was often called a ‘failed state.’ The narrative is now changing, and although fragile, Somalia is on a path to stability and the resilience of the Somali people is second to none. That said, we are not under any illusion: significant challenges remain, and we must work even harder to preserve the gains made to date. Somalia’s upward trajectory is evident in the construction boom, as one analyst noted -- the sound of the hammer is replacing the sound of gunfire in Somalia’s capital.
The UN has been closely supporting the Somali people since the birth of the Republic in 1960. Currently, the UN's various mandates are implemented through 26 Agencies, Funds and Programmes (both resident and non-resident), one political mission (UNSOM) and one logistical support mission (UNSOS). The UN’s commitment towards the Somali cause is articulated in detail in the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2021-2025), mirroring the priorities of Somalia’s Ninth National Development Plan (NDP-9).
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UN marshalled support to help the Somali government respond to the virus outbreak. We continue to support the Somali authorities in seeking to defeat this pandemic and encouraging people to get vaccinated. Elections are also on-going in Somalia. The UN is supporting the process to ensure that elections are held in a peaceful and transparent manner, while at the same time advocating for 30 per cent women’s quota in the Somali legislature.
While these are encouraging signs of progress, we must not forget Somalia’s long-standing challenges. According to UN’s projections for next year, an estimated 7.7 million Somalis (nearly half of the country’s population) will require humanitarian assistance and protection. Women and children continue to bear the brunt of Somalia’s complex humanitarian crises, especially among the internally displaced communities. In light of the current serious droughts, the Somali government declared a humanitarian state of emergency on 23 November. Yet, neither the government nor the humanitarian community has adequate resources to respond. With a few days remaining in the year, the 2021 Humanitarian Response Plan which seeks US$1.09 billion remains only 70 per cent funded. Additional resources are urgently needed to prevent the dire humanitarian situation from becoming a catastrophe, so we continue to engage partners on this subject. In this regard, I undertook missions to Europe in October and to the Gulf in September. Throughout my interactions with partners, I stressed the need for additional funding to address Somalia’s escalating humanitarian crisis and elaborated on how inaction not only risks a reversal of the gains but puts the lives of millions of Somalis in jeopardy.
Through my field visits in Somalia, I have also seen first-hand the grim realities of adverse climate conditions. Somalia is no doubt on the frontline of climate change. The recurrent droughts and floods are driving widespread displacement, rapid urbanization, hunger, malnutrition and poverty. Climate change is also increasingly seen as the driver of conflict and a threat to the country’s security as the struggle over meagre resources deepens divisions. In addition, the loss of traditional livelihoods makes people vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups such as Al-Shabaab. Somalia is currently experiencing a third consecutive season of below-average rainfall, with nearly 80 per cent of the country experiencing drought conditions, water shortages and livestock deaths. One in five Somalis does not have enough water to cover his/her basic needs. On a positive note, as part of the efforts to mitigate the climate emergency, the government, with the support of the United Nations, has recently adopted an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution to achieve global climate targets, in which Somalia committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030.
Somalia’s crises are multifaceted, and they require comprehensive solutions from all stakeholders. It is our collective responsibility to support the efforts of the Somali people to cope with these crises and find lasting solutions that build resilience against future shocks. We must not fail the people we pledged to serve.
Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, held a press conference on Monday, 20 December on the situation in Somalia, where the UN and partners is launching a nearly $1.5 billion Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). Roughly 7.7 million people in the country will need assistance and protection in 2022, a 30 per cent rise in just one year.
Written by Adam Abdelmoula, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia
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08 January 2025
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in December 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in December 2024 Disability rights | UNICEF welcomes new laws on disability rights protectionUNICEF welcomed the new Somali Disability Rights Protection Law as significant legislation to protect the rights and dignity of people with disabilities while ensuring access to essential services, prohibiting discrimination, and promoting full societal participation.The UN agency added that the law guarantees rights to education, health care, and employment while holding institutions accountable for inclusivity. As well, its key focus is on accessibility and inclusion, requiring schools and other institutions to accommodate students with disabilities and protect those with disabilities during emergencies, including them in disaster planning and access to resources.The Joint Programme on Human Rights (Phase II), led by UNICEF and UNTMIS, played a critical role by enabling stakeholder coordination, providing technical expertise, and aligning national disability rights priorities with international human rights standards.Click here for more Food security | FAO strengthens agricultural resilience through innovation and preparednessIn collaboration with the federal Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and key stakeholders, FAO conducted a comprehensive review of Somalia’s Digital Agriculture Strategy under the ‘Strengthening Emergency Preparedness and Response to Food Crisis in the East and Horn of Africa’ project, funded by the African Development Bank.This review, part of the ‘Empowering Agriculture Through Digital Technology’ initiative, aims to drive innovation and build a sustainable, tech-powered future for Somalia’s agriculture sector.The process involved consultations with key partners to strengthen the use of digital tools in agriculture, enhance data-driven decision-making, and boost the resilience of food production systems, ultimately supporting efforts to address the food security crisis affecting more than seven million people in Somalia.Click here for more Migration | IOM assists 161 Somalis stranded in Libya to return home IOM supported the return to Somalia of a group of 161 Somali migrants stranded in Libya – the majority of the returnees were young men and women under 30, including minors, who had been stuck in Libya for several months.Upon their return, they received assistance to address immediate needs, including pocket money, temporary accommodation, medical assistance (such as mental health and psychosocial support), and onward transportation for those reuniting with families outside Mogadishu.Click here for more Health | WHO celebrates World Food Safety DayFor the first time ever, Somalia celebrated World Food Safety Day (WFSD) in collaboration with WHO and the Somali Bureau of Standards.A forum held in Mogadishu brought together government officials, international partners, private sector actors and representatives from academia to discuss food safety in Somalia under the theme of this year’s WFSD: ‘Food Safety: prepare for the unexpected.’WFSD aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks, contributing to food security, human health, economic prosperity, agriculture, market access, tourism and sustainable development.Click here for more Human rights | On Human Rights Day, UN commends Somalia for recent achievementsMarking Human Rights Day, observed on 10 December, the United Nations commended Somalia for its recent achievements in promoting and protecting the rights of all Somalis.Notable among these achievements in the past year was the signing of the Somali National Disability Rights Protection Act into law.“Somalia can rightly take pride in the welcome and positive step forward with the Disability Rights Protection Act – it will serve to eliminate barriers to the full enjoyment of the rights of persons with disabilities and their full inclusion in society,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.“It will also provide them with a legal framework for protection and support in terms of participation in public affairs and access to service opportunities,” he added.Click here for more Economic development | UNIDO advances ‘Blue Industry’ contribution to the Blue Economy AgendaRepresentatives from UNIDO’s operation in Somalia took part in a hybrid Expert Group Meeting at UNIDO’s Headquarters in Vienna, marking a major milestone in advancing the ‘Blue Economy Agenda’ through its Blue Industry initiatives.The gathering focused on shaping UNIDO’s Blue Industry Programmatic Framework, guided by the discussion paper ‘Blueprint for Sustainable Development: The Blue Industry Contribution to the Blue Economy Agenda.’ Participants explored mechanisms to integrate and scale up blue industry interventions, including the Blue Industry Track of UNIDO’s ScaleX Accelerator.The event drew 334 participants from 84 countries, including technical experts, government representatives, international organizations, private sector representatives and academia.Click here for more Maternal health | UNFPA hosts KSrelief visit on support mission to SomaliaUNFPA hosted a visit by a representative of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), Ibraheem Abdulkadir Mahmood, who visited the federal Ministry of Health’s warehouse in Mogadishu.The warehouse stores essential neonatal intensive care unit equipment, such as incubators, radiant warmers and monitors – crucial resources for enhancing newborn care and helping to reduce mortality rates across the country.As part of his supportive supervision efforts, the KSFRelief project manager also toured several key implementing partner centers, including the Fistula Centre in Daynile and the Hodon BEmoNC, both of which are supported by UNFPA and funded by KSRelief.According to UNFPA, KSRelief's ongoing support has been instrumental in ensuring that these critical services continue to be available, directly impacting the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in Somalia.Click here for more Capacity-building | UNSOS supports Somali public health studentsUNSOS continued its capacity-building activities with the participation of 32 Somali students in a pilot initiative for fourth-year public health students at Jazeera University.
As part of the initiative, the students visited the waste management yard and the wastewater treatment station at the UNSOS site at the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu.The field training excursion was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, and provided the students with a firsthand understanding of the waste sector as well as how UNSOS is minimizing risk to society and the environment in Somalia.“The UNSOS training was crucial for us because we practiced topics we had only learned theoretically before. It is essential to align practical experience with theory for better understanding of waste management. We gained a lot from this training,” said one of the students, Yonis Abukar Mohamed.Click here for more Displacement | UNHCR hosts sports activities and promotes inclusion in HargeisaUNHCR leveraged sports as a powerful tool for protection and community building in Hargeisa with the holding of football and volleyball tournaments that brought together refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, and host community members.According to the UN refugee agency, these events emphasized diversity by including individuals with physical challenges, creating an inclusive space for connection, empowerment and participation. UNHCR recognizes the importance of sports in fostering social cohesion, promoting peaceful coexistence, and addressing vulnerabilities. By encouraging teamwork and mutual understanding, these activities break down barriers, strengthen communal ties, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and resilient society. Sports initiatives like these align with UNHCR's commitment to building unity, trust, and support among displaced and host communities, paving the way for long-term stability and integration.
As part of the initiative, the students visited the waste management yard and the wastewater treatment station at the UNSOS site at the Aden Abdulle International Airport in Mogadishu.The field training excursion was aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, and provided the students with a firsthand understanding of the waste sector as well as how UNSOS is minimizing risk to society and the environment in Somalia.“The UNSOS training was crucial for us because we practiced topics we had only learned theoretically before. It is essential to align practical experience with theory for better understanding of waste management. We gained a lot from this training,” said one of the students, Yonis Abukar Mohamed.Click here for more Displacement | UNHCR hosts sports activities and promotes inclusion in HargeisaUNHCR leveraged sports as a powerful tool for protection and community building in Hargeisa with the holding of football and volleyball tournaments that brought together refugees, internally displaced people, returnees, and host community members.According to the UN refugee agency, these events emphasized diversity by including individuals with physical challenges, creating an inclusive space for connection, empowerment and participation. UNHCR recognizes the importance of sports in fostering social cohesion, promoting peaceful coexistence, and addressing vulnerabilities. By encouraging teamwork and mutual understanding, these activities break down barriers, strengthen communal ties, and contribute to creating a more inclusive and resilient society. Sports initiatives like these align with UNHCR's commitment to building unity, trust, and support among displaced and host communities, paving the way for long-term stability and integration.
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03 December 2024
Helping resolves disputes through nonviolent communication in Somalia
Decades of conflicts and instability has crippled Somalia’s Judiciary made resolving conflicts with long court processes. This has led to delayed justice for victims. However, with UN support, communities in Baidoa, the capital of Southwest State of Somalia are now embracing nonviolent ways of resolving their disputes.When Fartun Abdi Mohamed, returned to her native city of Baidoa in Southwestern Somalia after years of living abroad in Saudi Arabia, she hoped that she had put behind herself all her life troubles. However, after getting married, she went through one of the most stressful periods in her life undergoing physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her then husband.Efforts to address her dispute through the courts did not work as the formal judicial process was lengthy. The delays made her approach the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre in Baidoa, run by the Ministry of Justice of Southwest State of Somalia and supported by the UN’s Joint Justice and Correction Programme (JJCP) with funding from the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF). She explained that the elders and the team at the ADR centre took a very friendly approach, were very understanding and offered as listening ear. “My case dragged for a year and three months, and I was deeply dissatisfied with the process. When, I came to the Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre; I found the process very friendly. I met a group of elders who were very well trained and were willing to listen. The issue was resolved in four days, and I was satisfied with decision,” Said, Fartun. After the successful conclusion of the long running dispute, Fartun volunteered to become part of the ADR women network championing to resolve disputes through ADR centre. “I am now part of the ADR centre, helping resolve disputes within communities using the nonviolent communication framework training communication which involves listening to both sides without attacking any of the sides involved in a dispute,” Fartun, said. The members of the public, polices officers, prosecutors and judges are trained on nonviolent communication which has made resolving disputes and solved long standing cases which in the end plays a role in ensuring that disputes are resolved. The programme seeks to promote people centred justice sector reform and service delivery. It supports formal and informal rule of law actors at Federal, Federal Member States, and local levels to design and implement integrative justice solutions through generative dialogues, promotes political dialogue, learning, collection of data, and coordination, facilitating a process towards a people centred and sustainable Somali Justice and Corrections Model.Since its inception, in July 2023, JJCP which is implemented by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime with support from the Somalia Joint Fund, more than 15 trainings attended by around 600 individuals from the public, police, prosecutors and judges were held. The Chief Justice of Southwest State of Somalia, Ahmed Ali Muse, says the nonviolent communication training will play a huge role in ensuring that the members of the public co-exist peacefully. “The nonviolent communication training enables the society to discuss the challenges they face and resolve disputes without resorting to violence. The judicial sector in Southwest State now understands how to deploy these skills as all the judges and prosecutors have been trained,”
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17 October 2024
Innovative Solar Photovoltaic Water Desalinisation project transforms and builds climate resilience in Somalia
For Abdi Hassan, a resident of Waaciye town in Puntland State in North-eastern Somalia, finding access to safe drinking water has been a long-standing challenge. As part of efforts to provide access to safe and clean water, the United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with funding from the People of Japan, has installed a Solar Powered Water Desalinisation Plant to purify saline water and supply clean and drinkable water to the residents of Waaciye town, in Puntland. In Somalia, UNIDO consolidates stakeholder efforts to advance sustainable industrial development, and to realise scalable solutions that align with the organisations mission and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s). Through these interventions, effective solutions to critical challenges such as improving water security take centre stage. Ultimately fostering innovative and coherent strategies that create lasting impact. "We never imagined that technology was the main solution to one of the major issues in our town. I never thought the water here could change from saline to safe for drinking, but UNIDO with the generous funding of the people of Japan has proven to us that clean and reliable drinking water can be realised. The entire community is overjoyed and relieved to finally have access to clean, safe water," said, Mr. Abdi.Waaciye town which has a population of 23, 241 residents, was strategically selected for the groundbreaking project owing to the prevalence of saline wells that limit access to clean water. With a focus on the most affected communities, the project’s primary objective was to alleviate the severe water shortages that is exacerbated by the region’s vulnerability to drought and climate change. In a region where water scarcity and security pose a daily threat to survival, this project has dramatically improved the community’s resilience to the ongoing impacts of climate change.The project has seen the installation of a solar powered desalinisation plant in Waaciye town and currently provides the area with a reliable source of clean and safe water that is supplied to over 8300 residents. The plant’s capacity to produce up to 100,000 litres of portable water per day has had a profound ripple effect on the community.A vital component of the project involved training 15 local Somali individuals to operate and maintain the desalination facility. This approach ensures that the community not only benefits from immediate access to clean water but also gains the skills and knowledge required to sustain the facility’s operations long into the future. Additionally, the training provided by UNIDO has created meaningful employment opportunities within the community. These trained professionals are now equipped to manage the desalination facility, ensuring that the provision of clean water remains consistent and reliable. The Mayor of Waaciye, Mr. Ahmed Bare expressed his gratitude for the transformative project, stating: “The desalination plant in Waaciye has significantly improved our lives. It is truly a blessing, bringing many positive changes. We now have fresh water not only for drinking but also for domestic use and for our animals. We are deeply grateful to UNIDO for their support and remain indebted for this transformation,” said, Mr. Bare. UNIDO’s efforts to promote Public-Private Partnerships within the framework of this project, has established a partnership between Genius Watter and WAWACO (Operator of Water Infrastructure endorsed by Puntland Water Authority). As result, the initiative secured additional investment that multiplied the water treatment facility’s production capacity by 2.5 times. Additionally, as part of the PPP, WAWACO will oversee the operations of the water treatment facility and ensure the long-term maintenance and sustainability over the years.
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17 October 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in September 2024
Food Security | IOM supports food security with modern irrigation and seed distributionIn Barwaqo, a village in Baidoa, traditional farming methods have become ineffective due to unpredictable weather, wrong seeds, and water shortages, affecting food production. IOM-supported Barwaqo Pilot Irrigation Project tackles these issues by introducing modern irrigation and distributing seeds to strengthen local farmers' capacity.This project is being carried out via the Saameynta Programme, meaning “impact” in Somali, a collaboration among IOM, UN-Habitat, and UNDP, funded by the Somalia Joint Fund with support from Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Norway.The project, promoting smart, sustainable farming practices, has transformed nine hectares of arid land into 57 well-irrigated plots, each 35 square meters, equipped with an innovative drip system that ensures reliable water access.Click here for more Photo Exhibition | UNICEF and Somali Arts Foundation photo exhibition about children living in an IDP camp in BaidoaA photo exhibition, “Dhaliy Baydhaby: Through Their Eyes – Lived Experiences of Somali Children,” was held at the National Museum of Somalia. Organized by UNICEF and the Somali Arts Foundation, it offered a glimpse into the lives of children from underserved IDP camps in Baidoa.The exhibition, featuring the work of renowned Somali photographer Said Fadhaye, captured moments of resilience, hope, and the daily challenges the children face. Through the lens of his camera, the children shared their stories with the world. The “Dhaliy Baydhaby” exhibition has left a lasting impact on all who attended, serving as a powerful reminder of the resilience of Somali children.A key highlight was a mural painted by the children. The Save Somali Marginalized and Minorities Organization facilitated children’s participation at the event.Click here for more Youth | UNFPA announces youth centres in Barawe and DhusamarebIn Kismayo, Jubaland, UNFPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and with support from USAID Somalia, successfully concluded a workshop aimed at improving emergency obstetric and newborn care.In Somalia, maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high due to limited access to quality healthcare. The workshop equipped healthcare providers with the skills and knowledge to save the lives of mothers and newborns during childbirth, thus contributing to a healthier future for communities across Somalia.The training reflected UNFPA’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes and strengthening the healthcare system for long-term development and well-being.Click here for more Drought Response | FAO calls for immediate measures to combat anticipated drought impactsOn 24 September 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Somalia, in partnership with the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and UNICEF Somalia, launched the "La Niña: Preparedness, Mitigation, and Response Plan."The initiative prepares communities to anticipate and address the expected impacts of the upcoming La Niña season. With a 70% likelihood of La Niña conditions, as predicted by FAO's Somalia Water and Land Information Management (SWALIM), the plan focuses on early warning systems, anticipatory action, and government-led coordination. These efforts aim to protect vulnerable livelihoods and reduce the need for large-scale humanitarian assistance. With a funding requirement of $30 million, the initiative seeks to bolster drought preparedness and resilience across Somalia.Click here for more Security | UNSOS briefs security partners on Somali Security Forces Trust FundUNSOS convened in Mogadishu a joint meeting for Somalia’s security partners to update on the significant progress made in the administration of the Somali Security Forces (SSF) Trust Fund. Somalia’s National Security Advisor, Hussein Sheikh Ali, emphasized the critical importance of UNSOS’ logistical support in boosting SSF operations.Notable contributions from various nations, including the UK and US, were acknowledged for their roles in enhancing the operational effectiveness of Somalia’s security forces. UN Security Council encourages Member States to support the Somali Security Forces via the Trust Fund to counter terrorism and enhance peace and security in Somalia and the region.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA allocates $3 million for the conflict-affected people in Jubaland and GalmudugThe Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator and Head of OCHA, Joyce Msuya, has allocated $3 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for an urgent response to displacement in Somalia.The funding will support the UN and partners to address food, protection, and shelter needs for some 50,000 displaced people in conflict-affected areas of Galmudug and Jubaland States. So far in 2024, an estimated 150,000 people have been displaced by renewed clan conflict and ongoing military operations in Somalia.Click here for more Security and Climate Change | UNDP supports a high-level conference on security and climate changeAt a high-level conference in Mogadishu, hosted by the Government of Somalia and supported by UNDP, experts discussed how climate change exacerbates vulnerabilities and threatens stability in Somalia’s security sector.The discussions focused on how climate-related displacement and food insecurity make populations more susceptible to extremist groups, which exploit these hardships to recruit members.Click here for more Economic Development | UNIDO empowers Bosaso entrepreneursUNIDO continued its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in Somalia by empowering local businesses in Bosaso. Through a series of training sessions, business counseling, and access to credit, entrepreneurs were provided the necessary tools to grow their businesses.A prime example is Suudi Fishing Company, which benefited from training and counseling and later received a credit of $30,000. This support enabled the company to purchase cooling equipment, enhancing its capacity to store and distribute fresh seafood, thus contributing to the local economy and employment.Click here for more Mine Action | UNMAS enhances the Somali National Army's capacity to mitigate explosive threatsUNMAS has been actively supporting the Somali National Army (SNA) in strengthening its ability to mitigate the threat of explosive ordnance and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), contributing to the broader goal of peace and security in Somalia.On 19 September, UNMAS launched a month-long 'train-the-trainer’ course designed to further enhance the SNA’s capacity to counter explosive hazards, including IEDs. This Somali-led initiative will train 14 SNA personnel in explosive ordnance disposal and route search techniques, building on their operational experience and prior training delivered by UNMAS. The trainees will also be able to effectively instruct their unit.Click here for more Climate Action | UN calls for urgent climate change adaptationThe UN called for urgent climate change adaptation in Somalia, recognised as one of the most vulnerable countries to climate disruptions. During a UN-supported climate symposium organised by SIMAD University’s Institute of Climate and Environment in Mogadishu, officials emphasised the need to put human rights at the centre of discussions and work on the climate agenda. The UN supports the Somali government’s commitment to key actions, including the establishment of a national climate resilience plan and a climate financing framework to ensure that strategies translate into tangible improvements.
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01 September 2024
A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in August 2024
Development | FAO installs solar power generator system in KismayoFAO installed a state-of-the-art solar power generator system at the fish market in Kismayo, city of Jubaland, for the benefit of the local community and to enhance market efficiency.The system is part of FAO’s RAAISE project, which falls under the European Union’s ‘Inclusive Local and Economic Development’ programme. The latter aims to contribute to stability in Somalia by extending state authority and services, promoting local reconciliation and peacebuilding, creating inclusive economic opportunities and protecting the most vulnerable. According to FAO, the innovative generator system provides sustainable and reliable energy essential for maintaining fish quality and supporting local livelihoods.RAAISE, which stands for ‘Resilient Fisheries and Livestock Value Chain for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth in Somalia,’ is designed to enhance resilience against climate variability and conflict by improving institutional capacities, value chain development, and regulatory frameworks across Somalia.Click here for more Health | IOM supports reach-out to mothers and newborns in PuntlandIn Garowe, the capital of Puntland, IOM and the Federal Member State’s Ministry of Health worked together to overcome geographical barriers and deliver essential healthcare services directly to displaced populations.Through seven mobile clinics, IOM provided critical medical care to the communities of Burtinle, Dan Gorayo, Xamur, Abaarey, Garowe, Godobjiran and Jariban, with a focus on post-natal care.Since the launch of the first mobile clinic in May 2013, IOM has reached thousands of Somalis with services including routine consultation, maternal health, nutrition and immunizations.According to IOM, vehicles equipped with essential medical supplies, and staffed by dedicated healthcare professionals, bring vital infant and young child feeding services directly to the heart of underserved communities.Click here for more Youth | UNFPA announces youth centres in Barawe and DhusamarebAt an event in Mogadishu to celebrate International Youth Day, marked on 12 August annually, UNFPA announced the inauguration of two new youth centres in Barawe and Dhusamareb.In her remarks at the event, UNFPA’s Acting Representative for Somalia, Dr. Mary Otieno, said the centres would be vital hubs for digital learning, entrepreneurship, and innovation, empowering young people with the skills needed for a sustainable future. She also stressed the importance of investing in youth for sustainable development.The celebration was held under the theme for this year’s observance: ‘From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development.’
The event featured speeches from key figures, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare, who highlighted the critical role of youth in Somalia's progress.Click here for more Immunization | UNICEF accelerates progress towards immunizing every childThe Government of Somalia, WHO and UNICEF combined efforts to accelerate progress towards immunizing every child.Firstly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched the Somalia Immunization and Polio Eradication (SIPE) Task Force, which will oversee and coordinate polio eradication and immunization efforts across the country using lifesaving vaccines.Secondly, the ‘Big Catch-up’ initiative was launched simultaneously in the country’s Federal Member States (FMSs).The initiative is ongoing nationwide and aims to reach 1.5 million under-five children who have never received a vaccine, and under-immunized children.According to UNICEF, getting children vaccinated is safe and life-saving, and prevention is better than seeking a cure.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA and Somali government mark World Humanitarian DayMarking World Humanitarian Day this year, the humanitarian community in Somalia – led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, George Conway – called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in areas of conflict.Somalia has been experiencing one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises with millions of people exposed to suffering due to recurring and intensifying climate shocks, protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and economic shocks.So far this year, 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access have been recorded, including 12 aid workers injured in the process of delivering aid and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment and intimidation. Also, two aid workers have been killed this year in the line of duty. In 2023, four aid workers were killed.OCHA held events to mark the day with representatives from the humanitarian community in Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa and Dhusamareb.Click here for more Terrorism | UN condemns terrorist attack on Lido BeachThe United Nations in Somalia strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab terrorist attack that took place at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach in early August, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring many more.In a statement, the United Nations in Somalia expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.“Lido Beach is a popular place for Somalis to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of the Somali coastline. Targeting this location is an abhorrent act that warrants the firmest condemnation,” the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said in a statement.“As we join all peace-loving Somalis in mourning this sad loss, I reaffirm the United Nations’ support for and solidarity with the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability in the country,” he added.Click here for more Demining | UNMAS strengthens capacities of the Somalia Explosive Management AuthorityUNMAS delivered humanitarian mine action and quality assurance training to 13 representatives from the Somalia Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) hailing from Somalia’s Federal Member States and the capital, Mogadishu. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to implement quality assurance processes and to monitor the safety and efficiency of demining operations. Sessions included both theory and practice components to enhance the regulator’s capability to coordinate mine action activities in the country. The theoretical phase of the training covered demining, surveys, explosive ordnance risk education, quality assurance and data verification, among other topics. During the practical phase of the training, the participants returned to their respective stations to conduct practical inspection of ongoing tasks conducted by mine action operators, applying the knowledge they had acquired.Click here for more Development | UNDP supports national identification system for SomaliaUNDP and the Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) held a donor debriefing session in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the preliminary findings of a joint NIRA-UNDP mission.That mission was aimed at evaluating the governance framework for National Identity and Digital Public Infrastructure, as well as the challenges in implementing an inclusive, transparent, and rights-based digital identity system.The debriefing session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir, alongside the NIRA’s Director General, Abdiwali Abdulle.UNDP remains committed to supporting NIRA by fostering consultations, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing civic education. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Somalia’s national ID system.Click here for more Defence| UNSOS trains Somali security personnel on communication systemsAmid offensive efforts against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, UNSOS organized a training in Mogadishu for 20 Somali security personnel on modern communication systems.The training, organised by UNSOS’ Field Technology Section, was part of ongoing capacity-building efforts to prepare the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and Somali Police Force (SPF) to assume security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the end of 2024. The hands-on training was conducted over five days, and focused on the Motorola communication systems to enable the SNAF and SPF personnel to build the technical capacity required.“The training and equipping of the Somali Security Forces has enabled and improved the working conditions and interoperability between the army and police. We thank UNSOS for this tangible support extended to us at this critical period when so much transformation is happening within the armed forces,” said Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin.Click here for more
The event featured speeches from key figures, including the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mohamed Bare, who highlighted the critical role of youth in Somalia's progress.Click here for more Immunization | UNICEF accelerates progress towards immunizing every childThe Government of Somalia, WHO and UNICEF combined efforts to accelerate progress towards immunizing every child.Firstly, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre launched the Somalia Immunization and Polio Eradication (SIPE) Task Force, which will oversee and coordinate polio eradication and immunization efforts across the country using lifesaving vaccines.Secondly, the ‘Big Catch-up’ initiative was launched simultaneously in the country’s Federal Member States (FMSs).The initiative is ongoing nationwide and aims to reach 1.5 million under-five children who have never received a vaccine, and under-immunized children.According to UNICEF, getting children vaccinated is safe and life-saving, and prevention is better than seeking a cure.Click here for more Humanitarian | OCHA and Somali government mark World Humanitarian DayMarking World Humanitarian Day this year, the humanitarian community in Somalia – led by the Humanitarian Coordinator for the country, George Conway – called on all parties to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in areas of conflict.Somalia has been experiencing one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises with millions of people exposed to suffering due to recurring and intensifying climate shocks, protracted conflicts, disease outbreaks, and economic shocks.So far this year, 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access have been recorded, including 12 aid workers injured in the process of delivering aid and 13 incidents of physical assault, harassment and intimidation. Also, two aid workers have been killed this year in the line of duty. In 2023, four aid workers were killed.OCHA held events to mark the day with representatives from the humanitarian community in Mogadishu, Garowe, Baidoa and Dhusamareb.Click here for more Terrorism | UN condemns terrorist attack on Lido BeachThe United Nations in Somalia strongly condemned the Al-Shabaab terrorist attack that took place at Mogadishu’s Lido Beach in early August, reportedly killing at least 32 people and injuring many more.In a statement, the United Nations in Somalia expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.“Lido Beach is a popular place for Somalis to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the beauty of the Somali coastline. Targeting this location is an abhorrent act that warrants the firmest condemnation,” the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said in a statement.“As we join all peace-loving Somalis in mourning this sad loss, I reaffirm the United Nations’ support for and solidarity with the Federal Government of Somalia in its efforts to ensure peace, security, and stability in the country,” he added.Click here for more Demining | UNMAS strengthens capacities of the Somalia Explosive Management AuthorityUNMAS delivered humanitarian mine action and quality assurance training to 13 representatives from the Somalia Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) hailing from Somalia’s Federal Member States and the capital, Mogadishu. The training aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to implement quality assurance processes and to monitor the safety and efficiency of demining operations. Sessions included both theory and practice components to enhance the regulator’s capability to coordinate mine action activities in the country. The theoretical phase of the training covered demining, surveys, explosive ordnance risk education, quality assurance and data verification, among other topics. During the practical phase of the training, the participants returned to their respective stations to conduct practical inspection of ongoing tasks conducted by mine action operators, applying the knowledge they had acquired.Click here for more Development | UNDP supports national identification system for SomaliaUNDP and the Somali National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA) held a donor debriefing session in Nairobi, Kenya, focused on the preliminary findings of a joint NIRA-UNDP mission.That mission was aimed at evaluating the governance framework for National Identity and Digital Public Infrastructure, as well as the challenges in implementing an inclusive, transparent, and rights-based digital identity system.The debriefing session was chaired by the Deputy Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdihakim Hassan Ashkir, alongside the NIRA’s Director General, Abdiwali Abdulle.UNDP remains committed to supporting NIRA by fostering consultations, strengthening institutional capacity, and enhancing civic education. These efforts are aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of Somalia’s national ID system.Click here for more Defence| UNSOS trains Somali security personnel on communication systemsAmid offensive efforts against the Al-Shabaab terrorist group, UNSOS organized a training in Mogadishu for 20 Somali security personnel on modern communication systems.The training, organised by UNSOS’ Field Technology Section, was part of ongoing capacity-building efforts to prepare the Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) and Somali Police Force (SPF) to assume security responsibilities from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) at the end of 2024. The hands-on training was conducted over five days, and focused on the Motorola communication systems to enable the SNAF and SPF personnel to build the technical capacity required.“The training and equipping of the Somali Security Forces has enabled and improved the working conditions and interoperability between the army and police. We thank UNSOS for this tangible support extended to us at this critical period when so much transformation is happening within the armed forces,” said Somalia’s Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Sheikh Muhyadin.Click here for more
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Press Release
16 December 2024
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Ethiopia and Somalia
New York – The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the ‘Ankara Declaration’ in which President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia agreed to work towards resolving their differences in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect. He looks forward to a swift commencement of the technical negotiations and a positive outcome to the process.
The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye for his initiative in bringing the Ethiopian and Somali leaders together, and his support for the implementation of the agreement.
The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations' readiness to support this important process as required.
The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye for his initiative in bringing the Ethiopian and Somali leaders together, and his support for the implementation of the agreement.
The Secretary-General reaffirms the United Nations' readiness to support this important process as required.
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Press Release
26 November 2024
As 16 Days of Activism start, UN calls for increased investment in fight against gender-based violence in Somalia
Mogadishu, 25 November 2024 – Observing the start of the annual global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, the United Nations in Somalia today underlined the importance of the Somali authorities’ increasing investment in the fight against gender-based violence. “Addressing gender-based violence requires financial and material resources with a particular focus on protecting women, children, persons with disabilities, and minorities who are the most vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence,” the Acting UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan, said. “The United Nations also urges the adoption of legislation to criminalize gender-based violence in compliance with the international human rights obligations to which Somalia has already subscribed. This will ensure that persons who commit crimes are held accountable and survivors have access to justice,” Mr. Swan added. The global theme for this year’s 16 Days campaign – “UNITE! Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls” – calls on citizens to show their commitment by sharing the actions they are taking to create a world free from violence towards women and girls. The campaign also calls on governments worldwide to share how they are investing in gender-based violence prevention. Throughout the 16 days, the UN in Somalia will work with the government and civil society to highlight the need to end gender-based violence with an emphasis on the need to speed up the legislative process for enacting laws to protect women and girls. The UN is committed to helping Somali women and girls realise their full potential and live a life free from violence of all forms. In April this year, the UN released the report ‘Tackling sexual violence in Somalia: prevention and protection,’ which presented a set of recommendations on how to improve the protection environment for women and girls in Somalia. The annual 16 Days of Activism campaign begins on 25 November, on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs through 10 December, Human Rights Day. The campaign aims to increase awareness, stimulate advocacy efforts and share knowledge to end violence against women.
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Press Release
03 December 2024
United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia starts operations
Mogadishu – The United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS) began operations today, succeeding the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). “UNTMIS reaffirms the UN’s commitment to the Government and people of Somalia in building a stronger country and better future – we look forward to working together as partners throughout this planned two-year transitional mission, as Somalia further reinforces national ownership and self-reliance,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.UNTMIS was established following the UN Security Council’s adoption of resolution 2753 (2024) on 30 October.In the resolution, the Security Council established UNTMIS with a focus on priority areas critical to Somalia’s needs. From the start of its mandate, UNTMIS will undertake a phased transition of functions to Somali institutions, the United Nations Country Team, and other stakeholders.
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Press Release
01 September 2024
2 in 3 children in Somalia live in severe food poverty due to inequity, conflict, and climate crises – UNICEF
MOGADISHU, 13 August 2024 – Around 63 per cent of children in Somalia, or two in three, have experienced severe food poverty in their early childhood, making them up to 50 per cent more likely to experience wasting, a life-threatening form of malnutrition, a report released by UNICEF reveals.
The report, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood, analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries and ranks Somalia among 20 countries, which accounts for two-thirds of the total number of children living in severe food poverty. The report warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty. Four out of five children in this situation are fed only breastmilk, milk, or a starchy staple, such as rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables. And less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. In Somalia, among children aged 6-23 months, only 1 in 5 are fed eggs, fish, poultry, or meat, and 2 in 3 consume zero vegetables or fruits.“Child food poverty is a serious issue in Somalia that has been compounded by the cycle of climate-induced crises and conflicts,” says UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “It makes children vulnerable to both chronic as well as severe malnutrition. Together with the government and other partners, we need to do more to improve the food system for young children and enable families to have access to a wide variety of locally available foods, especially fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, which are currently limited in their diets.”The report warns that while countries are still recovering from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of growing inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis have pushed food prices and the cost of living to record high levels.
Of the 181 million children living in severe food poverty globally, 65 per cent reside in just 20 countries, including Somalia, where over 80 per cent of caregivers reported that their child had been unable to eat for an entire day. Around 64 million affected children are in South Asia, and 59 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Somalia tops the list in Eastern and Southern Africa.Globally, the report finds nearly half (46 per cent) of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, while 54 per cent – or 97 million children – live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.
Several factors are fueling the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that fail to provide children with nutritious, safe, and accessible options, families’ inability to afford nutritious foods, and parents’ inability to adopt and sustain positive child-feeding practices. In many contexts, cheap, nutrient-poor, and unhealthy ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are aggressively marketed to parents and families and are the new normal for feeding children. These unhealthy foods and beverages are consumed by an alarming proportion of young children experiencing food poverty, displacing more nutritious and healthier foods from their daily diets.To end child food poverty, UNICEF calls on governments, development and humanitarian organizations, donors, civil society and the food and beverage industry to urgently:Transform food systems so that nutritious, diverse, and healthy foods are the most accessible, affordable, and desirable option for caregivers to feed young children.Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition in early childhood, including support for community health and nutrition workers to counsel parents and families on child feeding and care practices.Activate social protection systems to address income poverty through social transfers (cash, food, and vouchers), in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable children and their families.
To accelerate actions to prevent, detect and treat severe child food poverty and malnutrition, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) was launched last year at the global food security summit in London, co-hosted by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Led by UNICEF, with the support of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the CNF is a multi-partner financing mechanism that incentivizes domestic investments to end child malnutrition. UNICEF urges governments, donors and financial partners to support the CNF and prioritise sustainable policies and practices to end severe child food poverty and malnutrition.
The report, Child Food Poverty: Nutrition Deprivation in Early Childhood, analyses the impacts and causes of dietary deprivation among the world’s youngest people in nearly 100 countries and ranks Somalia among 20 countries, which accounts for two-thirds of the total number of children living in severe food poverty. The report warns that millions of children under the age of five are unable to access and consume a nutritious and diverse diet to sustain optimal growth and development in early childhood and beyond.Children who consume, at most, two of eight defined food groups are considered to be in severe child food poverty. Four out of five children in this situation are fed only breastmilk, milk, or a starchy staple, such as rice, maize, or wheat. Less than 10 per cent of these children are fed fruits and vegetables. And less than 5 per cent are fed nutrient-dense foods such as eggs, fish, poultry, or meat. In Somalia, among children aged 6-23 months, only 1 in 5 are fed eggs, fish, poultry, or meat, and 2 in 3 consume zero vegetables or fruits.“Child food poverty is a serious issue in Somalia that has been compounded by the cycle of climate-induced crises and conflicts,” says UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “It makes children vulnerable to both chronic as well as severe malnutrition. Together with the government and other partners, we need to do more to improve the food system for young children and enable families to have access to a wide variety of locally available foods, especially fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, which are currently limited in their diets.”The report warns that while countries are still recovering from the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the effects of growing inequities, conflicts, and the climate crisis have pushed food prices and the cost of living to record high levels.
Of the 181 million children living in severe food poverty globally, 65 per cent reside in just 20 countries, including Somalia, where over 80 per cent of caregivers reported that their child had been unable to eat for an entire day. Around 64 million affected children are in South Asia, and 59 million are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Somalia tops the list in Eastern and Southern Africa.Globally, the report finds nearly half (46 per cent) of all cases of severe child food poverty are among poor households where income poverty is likely to be a major driver, while 54 per cent – or 97 million children – live in relatively wealthier households, among whom poor food environments and feeding practices are the main drivers of food poverty in early childhood.
Several factors are fueling the child food poverty crisis, including food systems that fail to provide children with nutritious, safe, and accessible options, families’ inability to afford nutritious foods, and parents’ inability to adopt and sustain positive child-feeding practices. In many contexts, cheap, nutrient-poor, and unhealthy ultra-processed foods and sugar-sweetened beverages are aggressively marketed to parents and families and are the new normal for feeding children. These unhealthy foods and beverages are consumed by an alarming proportion of young children experiencing food poverty, displacing more nutritious and healthier foods from their daily diets.To end child food poverty, UNICEF calls on governments, development and humanitarian organizations, donors, civil society and the food and beverage industry to urgently:Transform food systems so that nutritious, diverse, and healthy foods are the most accessible, affordable, and desirable option for caregivers to feed young children.Leverage health systems to deliver essential nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition in early childhood, including support for community health and nutrition workers to counsel parents and families on child feeding and care practices.Activate social protection systems to address income poverty through social transfers (cash, food, and vouchers), in ways that are responsive to the food and nutrition needs of vulnerable children and their families.
To accelerate actions to prevent, detect and treat severe child food poverty and malnutrition, the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) was launched last year at the global food security summit in London, co-hosted by the President of Somalia, His Excellency Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Led by UNICEF, with the support of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF), the CNF is a multi-partner financing mechanism that incentivizes domestic investments to end child malnutrition. UNICEF urges governments, donors and financial partners to support the CNF and prioritise sustainable policies and practices to end severe child food poverty and malnutrition.
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Press Release
11 June 2024
Somalia needs US $230m to support post-flood recovery and reconstruction for 2.5m affected people
Mogadishu, 11 June 2024 :The Government of Somalia requires US$230 million to address the recovery efforts following the devastating 2023 Deyr floods that affected more than 2.5 million people.The rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report prepared and released today by the Government, in collaboration with the United Nations, the World Bank, and the European Union, reveals that the 2023 Deyr floods caused US$176 million in losses and damages across sixteen districts. The floods resulted in 188 fatalities and displaced over 2 million people.According to the report, direct damages to agriculture, water and sanitation, education and other key sectors surpassed US$126.6 million, while losses amounted to US$49.5 million. The agriculture and livestock sector requires the highest recovery investments, followed by Transport and Housing.“The recent floods left significant destruction of property and loss of lives in Somalia, affecting millions of lives, and increasing vulnerabilities of an already vulnerable population. As we navigate the path to recovery, our collective efforts must prioritize resilience, inclusivity, and sustainable solutions towards disaster management in the country. Together with our partners, we are committed to building back better, ensuring that no one is left behind,” said Deputy Prime Minister Salah Ahmad Jama addressing the formal report launch ceremony in Mogadishu.“The PDNA was a joint, collaborative and coordinated effort between the Government of Somalia, the European Union, the United Nations and the World Bank. The Somali Government together with all stakeholders will continue their efforts and provide detailed plans addressing the recovery needs, aiming to strengthen the resilience of communities against future floods. The EU will remain a consistent and solid partner in supporting recovery and economic growth,” said EU Ambassador, Karin Johansson.The assessment reveals escalating food insecurity, with an additional 304,980 people facing various levels of food stress and crisis. The cascading impact of floods has worsened the situation for 1.5 million children under five, who are projected to experience severe malnutrition. Beletweyn, Dolow, Baardhere, Baydhaba, and Kismayo are among the most affected regions, making up almost 70% of total losses and damages.Poverty levels are expected to deepen, particularly among the most vulnerable groups, including nomadic populations, rural communities, children, and female-headed households, as the floods hit the country while it was still grappling with the severe 2020-2023 drought. The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, Mr. George Conway noted that the report will inform recovery efforts of all stakeholders in Somalia “It is important that the results of the PDNA help us prioritise immediate interventions necessary to address the impact of the floods - restoring livelihoods, housing, water and sanitation services, as well as rebuilding key infrastructure such as bridges. The results of this PDNA should feed into other long-term national planning processes in order to link up immediate recovery needs with longer-term plans and investment priorities,” said, Mr. Conway.The findings and recommendations from the report are expected to inform key players about the disaster's needs and encourage national and international response efforts to mobilize support for timely recovery.“The World Bank supported flood response collectively puts government in the driver’s seat to coordinate and oversee the emergency response, such as by providing $80m financing from the Bank’s Crisis Response Window (CRW) to provide Emergency Cash Transfers (ECT) to 215,000 households,” said Kristina Svensson, World Bank Country Manager for Somalia. “We are also supporting longer-term disaster preparedness by investing in flood risk management infrastructure, strengthening hydromet services and emergency response capacities, and helping to diversify disaster risk financing.”The report benefited from financial and technical support of the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) of the World Bank. Technical and financial support has also been provided by the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP)-EU partnership under the Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance and Recovery Capacities project implemented by UNDP and the EU Foreign Policy Instrument which supports the tri-partite cooperation on crisis assessments. ——————————————————————————————————FOR MEDIA INQUIRES: Halima Yusuf Hassan, Communication Focal Point, Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA)
| Phone: +252610756330 | Email: communications@sodma.gov.so | https://sodma.gov.so/english | Abdilatif Maalim Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252610999988 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
| Phone: +252610756330 | Email: communications@sodma.gov.so | https://sodma.gov.so/english | Abdilatif Maalim Adan, Communications Specialist, UN Resident Coordinator Office in Somalia | Phone: +252610999988 | Email: abdilatif.adan@un.org | https://somalia.un.org/en |
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Where we work: The UN’s programmatic interventions
The UN is implementing 0 Programmatic interventions during the ongoing programme cycle. The map below displays the number of programmatic interventions* per location (note that an programmatic intervention may be linked to more than one location). Using the filters below, click on the number on the map to get a summary description of the various programmatic interventions.
*Programmatic interventions are also commonly referred to as 'sub-outputs', see the JWP Guidance tip sheet 2019 definitionLatest Resources
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