Story

A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in May 2024

31 May 2024

Highlights from UN's support in the month of May

		Human Development \| UNDP launches Human Development Report Somalia is taking a significant step forward in its development agenda by prioritising investment in human capital. At the Biannual Human Capital Development Forum in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged the world community to help expand investment in building human capital in Somalia. Prime Minister Barre highlighted that Somalia has untapped resources and investment in enhancing the skills of the community and education can significantly contribute to the country's growth, development, and efficient utilisation of its resources. Human capital development is the fourth pillar of our National Transformation Plan, integral to the Dan Qaran government. Our society cannot progress without advancing human capital. Click here for more
		Midwifery \| UNFPA celebrates International Day of the Midwife On May 5th, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife across Somalia and Somaliland, under the theme "Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution." In Mogadishu, the event, hosted by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and supported by the Somali Midwives Association and the Federal Government of Somalia, showcased the strong collaboration between these organisations. In Puntland, a commemorative event organised by Puntland Midwives Association, honoured the indispensable role of midwives in healthcare. In Somaliland, the crucial contributions of midwives to maternal and child health were recognised, with thanks to CAM, the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association, and the Government of Somaliland. This significant day was made possible by generous funding from the Government of Canada, underscoring the global commitment to supporting midwives and their vital work. Click here for more
		Capacity building \| IOM supports Community Policing training initiative In states of insecurity, the relationship between communities and local authorities can break down. Taking steps to repair a dynamic of mistrust, the Ministry of Internal Security of Hirshabelle State and the Adale District Authority collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch a Community Policing training initiative. This effort was designed to strengthen the operational capacity for Community Policing and improve the fractured relationship between law enforcement and Adale’s residents while fostering a partnership grounded in mutual respect and cooperation. Click here for more
		Economic Development \| UNIDO launches Second Cohort BIC Somali program UNIDO Somalia launched the Second Cohort BIC Somali program, funded by the EU, providing training and business pitch opportunities for 180 candidates in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Additionally, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, launched the First Cohort Somali EDUs Satellite program, establishing satellite incubation centres with training and business development opportunities for 30 entrepreneurs in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Bosaso. These initiatives empower Somali entrepreneurs and foster business growth across the country. Click here for more
		Climate change \| WFP mitigates climate crisis in vulnerable districts As the rainy season unfolds in Somalia, the World Food Programme (WFP) underscores the pivotal role of anticipatory action and community engagement in mitigating the effects of climate shocks. By proactively identifying triggers and mobilising resources before disaster strikes, WFP aims to break the cycle of emergency assistance, prioritising prevention, and resilience-building. Collaborating closely with the Somali Disaster Management Agency and other partners, WFP activated anticipatory action triggers in vulnerable districts across Somalia, facilitating timely evacuations and resource provision. Through these efforts, WFP managed to alert over 1.89 million people with early warning information via radio and mobile ringtones and provided cash transfers to almost 80,000 vulnerable people to help them prepare. Click here for more
		Emergency \| UNMAS responds to explosive ordnance incident UNMAS explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) team responded to an explosive ordnance (EO) incident in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, located in Adale district, in the southern Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. Three children, two boys and one girl started playing with the EO which led to the explosion of the device. All three children were injured. A UNMAS-contracted EORE team was deployed to the site and engaged with the community to collect necessary information about the incident. Additionally, the team facilitated nine emergency EORE sessions, benefiting 68 members of the IDP community consisting of 19 boys, 17 girls, 23 women and nine men. The team also issued each beneficiary with EORE leaflets conveying safety messages and provided 35 risk education talking devices to the administration of the IDP camp, community leaders, madrassa teachers and mothers. Click here for more
		Humanitarian \| OCHA coordinates flood response OCHA is working with the Federal Government and other partners to respond to the impact of the Gu (April to June) rains. Partners have so far reached 157,000 people with some form of assistance. An estimated 225,759 people have been affected, including 38,727 people displaced or relocated, as of 14 May. The heavy rains and floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock, cropland, damaged small businesses and destroyed infrastructure including shelter, water sources, latrines, schools, and damaged roads. Additionally, 5,899 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated by the floods, jeopardizing food security. At least 770,000 people could be affected by the time the Gu season ends. Click here for more
		Maternal health \| WHO improves maternal health outcomes WHO's impact in countries is prominently featured at the top of the report, categorised by region, with a dedicated navigation tab for "Impact in Countries" accessible throughout. Somalia impact story is now live “2022-2023 End-of-Biennium Results Report” and launched on the WHO website which featured the WHO, alongside UNFPA, UNICEF and the MoH, has crafted and funded the development and revision of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health Strategy for the 2023–2027 period. Click here for more
		Flood response \| UNHCR launches distribution tool to flood victims In May, UNHCR launched a new Global Distribution Tool (GDT) to streamline the distribution of aid to flood-affected populations. This tool has been designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of recording and updating beneficiary data, tracking distribution activities, and generating reports. The GDT tool promises to ensure transparent and effective distribution processes. UNHCR in partnership with African Volunteers for Relief Development has utilized the GDT tool to complete the packaging of non-food items kits for the most vulnerable 4,000 DEYR flood-affected individuals. By leveraging the GDT tool, UNHCR aims to enhance the well-being and resilience of the affected populations, contributing to the overall improvement of their living conditions. Click here for more
		Political \| New acting UN Special Representative for Somalia The Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan, arrived in Mogadishu on 26 May. Mr. Swan’s focus will be to support the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people to advance their peace, security, development, and state-building priorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced his designation of Mr. Swan on 14 May. Mr. Swan previously served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022, after a long career in the United States diplomatic service.

UN entities involved in this initiative

IOM

International Organization for Migration

OCHA

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

UNDPPA

United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs

UNFPA

United Nations Population Fund

UNHCR

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNMAS

United Nations Mine Action Service

UNSOM

United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia

WHO

World Health Organization

Goals we are supporting through this initiative

		Human Development \| UNDP launches Human Development Report Somalia is taking a significant step forward in its development agenda by prioritising investment in human capital. At the Biannual Human Capital Development Forum in Mogadishu, Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre urged the world community to help expand investment in building human capital in Somalia. Prime Minister Barre highlighted that Somalia has untapped resources and investment in enhancing the skills of the community and education can significantly contribute to the country's growth, development, and efficient utilisation of its resources. Human capital development is the fourth pillar of our National Transformation Plan, integral to the Dan Qaran government. Our society cannot progress without advancing human capital. Click here for more
		Midwifery \| UNFPA celebrates International Day of the Midwife On May 5th, we celebrated the International Day of the Midwife across Somalia and Somaliland, under the theme "Midwives: A Vital Climate Solution." In Mogadishu, the event, hosted by the Canadian Association of Midwives (CAM) and supported by the Somali Midwives Association and the Federal Government of Somalia, showcased the strong collaboration between these organisations. In Puntland, a commemorative event organised by Puntland Midwives Association, honoured the indispensable role of midwives in healthcare. In Somaliland, the crucial contributions of midwives to maternal and child health were recognised, with thanks to CAM, the Somaliland Nursing and Midwifery Association, and the Government of Somaliland. This significant day was made possible by generous funding from the Government of Canada, underscoring the global commitment to supporting midwives and their vital work. Click here for more
		Capacity building \| IOM supports Community Policing training initiative In states of insecurity, the relationship between communities and local authorities can break down. Taking steps to repair a dynamic of mistrust, the Ministry of Internal Security of Hirshabelle State and the Adale District Authority collaborated with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to launch a Community Policing training initiative. This effort was designed to strengthen the operational capacity for Community Policing and improve the fractured relationship between law enforcement and Adale’s residents while fostering a partnership grounded in mutual respect and cooperation. Click here for more
		Economic Development \| UNIDO launches Second Cohort BIC Somali program UNIDO Somalia launched the Second Cohort BIC Somali program, funded by the EU, providing training and business pitch opportunities for 180 candidates in Mogadishu and Hargeisa. Additionally, UNIDO, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce, launched the First Cohort Somali EDUs Satellite program, establishing satellite incubation centres with training and business development opportunities for 30 entrepreneurs in Baidoa, Kismayo, and Bosaso. These initiatives empower Somali entrepreneurs and foster business growth across the country. Click here for more
		Climate change \| WFP mitigates climate crisis in vulnerable districts As the rainy season unfolds in Somalia, the World Food Programme (WFP) underscores the pivotal role of anticipatory action and community engagement in mitigating the effects of climate shocks. By proactively identifying triggers and mobilising resources before disaster strikes, WFP aims to break the cycle of emergency assistance, prioritising prevention, and resilience-building. Collaborating closely with the Somali Disaster Management Agency and other partners, WFP activated anticipatory action triggers in vulnerable districts across Somalia, facilitating timely evacuations and resource provision. Through these efforts, WFP managed to alert over 1.89 million people with early warning information via radio and mobile ringtones and provided cash transfers to almost 80,000 vulnerable people to help them prepare. Click here for more
		Emergency \| UNMAS responds to explosive ordnance incident UNMAS explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) team responded to an explosive ordnance (EO) incident in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, located in Adale district, in the southern Middle Shabelle region of Somalia. Three children, two boys and one girl started playing with the EO which led to the explosion of the device. All three children were injured. A UNMAS-contracted EORE team was deployed to the site and engaged with the community to collect necessary information about the incident. Additionally, the team facilitated nine emergency EORE sessions, benefiting 68 members of the IDP community consisting of 19 boys, 17 girls, 23 women and nine men. The team also issued each beneficiary with EORE leaflets conveying safety messages and provided 35 risk education talking devices to the administration of the IDP camp, community leaders, madrassa teachers and mothers. Click here for more
		Humanitarian \| OCHA coordinates flood response OCHA is working with the Federal Government and other partners to respond to the impact of the Gu (April to June) rains. Partners have so far reached 157,000 people with some form of assistance. An estimated 225,759 people have been affected, including 38,727 people displaced or relocated, as of 14 May. The heavy rains and floods have also resulted in the loss of livelihoods, including livestock, cropland, damaged small businesses and destroyed infrastructure including shelter, water sources, latrines, schools, and damaged roads. Additionally, 5,899 hectares of agricultural land have been inundated by the floods, jeopardizing food security. At least 770,000 people could be affected by the time the Gu season ends. Click here for more
		Maternal health \| WHO improves maternal health outcomes WHO's impact in countries is prominently featured at the top of the report, categorised by region, with a dedicated navigation tab for "Impact in Countries" accessible throughout. Somalia impact story is now live “2022-2023 End-of-Biennium Results Report” and launched on the WHO website which featured the WHO, alongside UNFPA, UNICEF and the MoH, has crafted and funded the development and revision of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health Strategy for the 2023–2027 period. Click here for more
		Flood response \| UNHCR launches distribution tool to flood victims In May, UNHCR launched a new Global Distribution Tool (GDT) to streamline the distribution of aid to flood-affected populations. This tool has been designed to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of recording and updating beneficiary data, tracking distribution activities, and generating reports. The GDT tool promises to ensure transparent and effective distribution processes. UNHCR in partnership with African Volunteers for Relief Development has utilized the GDT tool to complete the packaging of non-food items kits for the most vulnerable 4,000 DEYR flood-affected individuals. By leveraging the GDT tool, UNHCR aims to enhance the well-being and resilience of the affected populations, contributing to the overall improvement of their living conditions. Click here for more
		Political \| New acting UN Special Representative for Somalia The Acting Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Somalia (UNSOM), James Swan, arrived in Mogadishu on 26 May. Mr. Swan’s focus will be to support the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali people to advance their peace, security, development, and state-building priorities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced his designation of Mr. Swan on 14 May. Mr. Swan previously served as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia and Head of UNSOM from 2019 to 2022, after a long career in the United States diplomatic service.