United Nations 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.

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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

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Press Release

27 January 2025

Humanitarian partners seek US$1.42 billion to assist 4.6 million people in Somalia in 2025

Today, the Federal Government of Somalia, the United Nations and humanitarian partners released the 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), which seeks US$1.42 billion to assist 4.6 million people out of 5.9 million who need lifesaving humanitarian and protection assistance in Somalia.“Across Somalia, as a result of recurrent shocks, food insecurity and malnutrition remain widespread,” said Mr. George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia. “Humanitarian and development partners will be working towards a more integrated response that is informed by the priorities of affected communities and delivered through decentralized coordination structures.”In 2024, the humanitarian situation in Somalia saw slight improvements as compared to previous years, which were marked by widespread conflict, devastating droughts and flooding. The improvements are linked to investments in early warning, preparedness and improved collaboration between the humanitarian community and the authorities, and increased response capacity of the Government, led by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency (SODMA).“The Somali Government remains committed to leading and coordinating the national response in close collaboration with our humanitarian partners, development agencies, and the international community,” said Mr. Mohamud Moalim, Commissioner, SODMAThe 2025 HNRP focuses on lifesaving and life-sustaining assistance for people with the most severe levels of needs and incorporates humanitarian response gaps analysis into the inter-cluster prioritization methodology, reinforcing commitments to leave no one behind. The plan advocates for scaled-up development and climate financing to address the structural drivers of needs, build resilience, reduce the risk of future disasters“We are committed to provide lifesaving assistance to those most in need, particularly vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the elderly,” said Mr. George Conway. ‘’I call upon international community to support our efforts with urgent funding and resources, ensuring that no one is left behind in this ongoing crisis.”

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Press Release

27 January 2025

New study estimates that 71,000 drought-related “excess” deaths may have occurred in Somalia between 2022-2024

Mogadishu, 21 January 2025 – A study released today by the Federal Ministry of Health, WHO and UNICEF estimates that 71,100 people may have died between January 2022 and June 2024 because of the drought that ravaged large parts of Somalia in 2022. About 40 per cent of these deaths were estimated among children under the age of 5.The report, From insight to action: an update on mortality patterns in Somalia, was released today in Mogadishu by the Minister of Health Dr. Ali Hadji Adam Abubakar. In attendance were Mr. George Conway, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, UNICEF Representative, and Dr. Reinhilde Van de Weerdt, WHO Representative.The study, the fifth and final report in a planned series, provides a retrospective analysis of the impact of the drought on population mortality across Somalia during a 30-month period, which includes the 2022 drought which affected 7.9 million people, nearly half the population, and brought the country to the brink of famine. With the concerted efforts of the Government of Somalia and its humanitarian partners, famine was narrowly averted but Somalia was left counting the residual toll on human lives.Commissioned by UNICEF and WHO and carried out by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Imperial College London, and Somalia’s SIMAD University, the study is an update on the first report published in March 2023 which estimated 43,000 excess deaths attributable to the 2022 drought. This latest study observes that most excess deaths occurred in the south-central regions of Somalia, including Banadir, Bay, and Lower Shabelle. Despite high levels of food insecurity, the north-east regions experienced relatively low levels of mortality.“For my Ministry, our focus is on creating a strong and robust health system as the cornerstone of a healthy and thriving Somali society,” said Health Minister Dr. Ali Hadji Adam Abubakar. “At the heart of this approach is delivering health and nutrition services in an integrated manner, at the lowest unit of the health delivery chain, and in a way that gives priority to vulnerable children and women.”“The findings of this study highlight the profound impact that the 2022-2024 drought has had on the lives of the Somali people. With over 70,000 deaths, the majority of which were children, this is a stark reminder of the urgent need for continued support and resilience-building efforts in Somalia,” said WHO Representative Dr Renee van De Weerdt Renhilde. “This also underlines the critical importance of strengthening Somalia’s Health Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, Readiness and Resilience system to effectively respond to emergencies and provide sustained care for people in need. WHO continues to collaborate with the Somali government and partners to ensure that communities are not only protected during crises, but also empowered to withstand and recover from future shocks.”“This report serves as a serious and sad reminder of the devastating impact of climate change on vulnerable families in Somalia,” said UNICEF Representative Wafaa Saeed. “As resources to respond to humanitarian needs have become more limited, the government and its partners must continue to explore innovative investments to expand the reach of integrated life-saving services including health, nutrition, water, and sanitation. Given the recurring nature of climate-induced crises, we must also scale up investments in community resilience to future shocks, anticipatory action, and prevention of disease outbreaks.”Recurrent shocks, including climatic events such as drought and floods, conflict and insecurity, and disease outbreaks, continue to exacerbate humanitarian needs in Somalia, alongside underlying factors such as widespread poverty, lack of diversified livelihoods and equitable economic growth, insecurity and marginalization, and weak basic service delivery systems.The latest report by the Integrated Phase Classification system, a food security framework that includes governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and others released in September 2024 shows that extreme acute food insecurity remains widespread, with 4.4 million people predicted to experience crisis levels of hunger and 1.6 million children expected to be acutely malnourished this year, placing them at higher risk of death and permanent developmental delay.A summary of the report can be downloaded here.

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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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