Somalia Child Protection Area of Responsibility La Niña Preparedness and Response Plan (as of 30 October 2024)

The Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR) is working on preparedness and response plans but faces significant funding and capacity gap

Context

• Somalia has experienced severe droughts and floods from 2011 to 2023.
• 6.9 million people are projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2024.
• 4 million people are in crisis or emergency phases.
• High levels of food insecurity and malnutrition are expected to persist.
• La Niña event likely, worsening drought conditions.

Key Figures

• 66,500 households estimated to be affected by La Niña across 13 districts.
• 239,000 targeted for drought response with Child Protection package.
• Partner presence: Government 9%, UN agency 2%, INGO 14%, NNGO 75%.
• Funding requirements: $4.8 million.

Current Capacities and Gaps

• Updated service mappings and referral pathways.
• Task force created to review key messages and awareness materials.
• 100 community-based CP committees and 12 protection desks trained.
• 254 CP staff trained for remote protection response.
• Stock status: 480 PSS/dignity kits needed, 12 tents available, 23 tents needed.
• 308 trained CP workers available, 2,000 needed.
• Lack of dedicated funds for preparedness and emergency response.

Response Strategy

• Prevention, risk mitigation, and response to violence, abuse, and neglect.
• Strengthening protection systems and structures.
• Mobile-based services through outreach teams.
• Well-coordinated multisectoral, child-centered activities.

Preparedness Priorities

• Development and dissemination of key child protection messages.
• Mapping of partners and CP services.
• Development of assessment tools and training.
• Capacity building of social workers and partners.
• Procurement and prepositioning of emergency CP supplies.
• Strengthening state/regional coordination.
• Situation monitoring.

Response Priorities

• Deployment of social workers/mobile teams.
• Distribution of PSS and dignity kits.
• Establishment of safe service delivery points.
• Identification, tracing, reunification, and placement of Unaccompanied and Separated Children (UASC’s) in alternative care.
• Provision of mental health and psychosocial support.
• Provision of case management and response services.
• Awareness raising, including explosive ordinance risk education.
• Coordination of the response.

Cost of Inaction

• Increased risks to abuse, exploitation, violence, and neglect due to hunger, malnutrition, and disease among children.
• Higher risk of family separation and violence during displacement or negative copying mechanisms
• Increased poverty and child protection risks.
• Women and children more exposed to violence and exploitation.
• Overstretched service provision or closure of essential services due to lack of funding.