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.