A round-up of activities of the UN system in Somalia in May 2026
A snapshot of some of the activities of the UN's work in support of Somalia's priorities.
Livelihoods| IOM cash grants empower displaced women in Gedo to launch shared transport business
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has supported 105 displaced households in Somalia’s Gedo region to transition from traditional pastoral livelihoods to sustainable, climate‑resilient businesses. Assistance through the Resilience Adaptation Fund shifted from livestock support to direct cash grants of USD 600 per household as drought conditions worsened.
The initiative fosters independence by helping displacement‑affected communities diversify their income while being safeguarded against recurrent climate shocks. After losing their livestock, five women pooled nearly USD 3,000 from their grants to purchase a Bajaj transport vehicle. The shared business now provides steady income, empowering families to withstand future crises.
Security|UNMAS provides IED risk education awareness sessions to communities across Somalia
From generations of loss to today’s evolving threats, explosive hazards mostly in the form of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) continue to impact communities across Somalia.
UNMAS recently partnered with a national NGO to deliver lifesaving IED risk awareness sessions and informational leaflets to 60 primary school pupils and 60 vulnerable women and children at the Xisoole IDP camp in Baidoa.
By equipping communities, especially children and other vulnerable groups, with life-saving knowledge, UNMAS is helping families recognize threats, stay safe, and build resilience against the dangers posed by explosive hazards.
Every awareness session, every poster, and every conversation contribute to a safer and more informed Somalia.
Capacity Building|UNSOS strengthens human rights compliance during field mission in Beledweyne
The United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) conducted a field mission to Beledweyne in May to strengthen understanding and implementation of the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP) among the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and Somali Security Forces (SSF) personnel to reinforce compliance with HRDDP during military operations.
The sensitisation and awareness sessions combined interactive discussions aimed at deepening understanding of HRDDP requirements and reinforcing their implementation as a prerequisite for UN support. Activities included scenario-based discussions to assess practical application of the policy in real-life situations, including the protection of civilians, the use of force, reporting obligations, and accountability mechanisms.
Livelihood Support|FAO Somalia is supporting drought-affected pastoralist communities through large-scale livestock treatment interventions
Somalia is facing a worsening drought driven by consecutive failed rainy seasons, rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions, severely affecting pastoralist and agropastoralist livelihoods. The situation is particularly critical in Jowhar (Middle Shabelle) and Qansax Dheere (Bay Region), where water shortages, crop failure and declining livestock productivity have pushed many households into Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4).
In response, FAO, with support from the Government of Sweden, is scaling up early action interventions to protect livelihoods and stabilize food security. A key intervention is a large-scale animal health and treatment campaign targeting 2,500 households (approximately 15,000 people), reaching around 150,000 livestock through mobile veterinary teams providing treatment and preventive care.
In addition, unconditional cash transfers are being provided to 3,166 households (18,996 people) to meet essential needs and reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
These interventions are critical to safeguarding livestock, protecting livelihoods, and strengthening resilience in hard-to-reach drought-affected areas.
Humanitarian| OCHA expands operational engagements in Buur Hakaba to strengthen coordination
In May, OCHA significantly expanded its operational engagement in Buur Hakaba to strengthen coordination and improve humanitarian access in response to rising food security risks.
A joint operations team, supported by OCHA, was deployed to enhance field presence, work closely with local partners, and plan delivery approaches that bring assistance closer to affected populations, building on earlier efforts. Priority areas were identified based on access, severity of needs, and capacity to deliver integrated assistance. The mission supported the scale-up of humanitarian operations and reinforce area-based coordination mechanisms, improving information flow, coordination, and overall response effectiveness in light of the confirmed famine risk.
Two inter-agency missions further supported these efforts. A joint UN, NGO, and SoDMA mission conducted assessments through community engagement and visits to health facilities, including stabilization services, to inform response priorities. In addition, OCHA participated in an access and security mission engaging local authorities and partners to expand humanitarian access and facilitate assistance to the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities.
Nutrition| UNICEF scales up lifesaving support for children in Burhakaba as famine risk grows
Amid escalating hunger crisis across Somalia, UNICEF is scaling up lifesaving support in Burhakaba, one of the areas most at risk of famine. Nearly 2 million children nationwide are acutely malnourished, highlighting the severity of the crisis.
UNICEF is supporting screening, treatment, and referral for children with acute malnutrition, alongside essential health care, safe water, and hygiene services to reduce disease and prevent further deterioration.
Working with partners, UNICEF continues to deliver integrated services to vulnerable communities affected by conflict, displacement and climate shocks. As needs continue to rise, sustained support is essential to reach vulnerable children and strengthen access to lifesaving services.
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