Somalia: Humanitarian Access Factsheet

OVERVIEW OF HUMANITARIAN ACCESS IN SOMALIA

Humanitarian access in Somalia remains critical to the country's most vulnerable populations in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and protection (estimated at one million) - and particularly the large number who reside in south/central region who are extremely food insecure or internally displaced. In recent years lack of sustained humanitarian access and restricted operating space in south/central have been major factors affecting human survival (as well s limiting operational capacity of aid organizations) in the region.
In 2005, the operating environment for humanitarian relief operations remained varied. Some areas including Somaliland and Puntland experienced political development, economic recovery and relative stability with humanitarian access in general unhindered, although frequent reports indicate that some aid workers have been targeted in Puntland. Other areas in south/central remained dangerous and unstable with attempts to provide assistance and protection to the most vulnerable groups mostly ad hoc and event driven. Responses in south/central were often delayed as the humanitarian community struggled to negotiate access with local authorities. Access was further complicated by flooding and poor road infrastructure.

Since the outbreak of civil war in 1991 and the massive humanitarian operation launched in its wake, aid in Somalia has been highly politicised. Trends show there have been moves to divert, block and attempt to control, directly or indirectly, the delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection in order to strengthen the power bases of faction leaders, usually along clan lines. As a result the provision of aid can be as much a source of conflict, as well as a source of relief; the outcome being that its delivery has not always been possible or has been interrupted due to the fact that the safety and security of humanitarian relief workers cannot be assured. Faction or freelance militia with an interest in a geographical area either 1)prevent aid from reaching opposing or minority clans; 2)prevent the rehabilitation of and access to natural resources such as water and land required for survival; 3)influence agencies to hire staff and provide contracts for goods and services that favour their own kin or allies.

A series of serious security incidents in October/November 2005 including piracy of ships carrying humanitarian relief off the south coast and a recent wave of assassinations in Mogadishu worsened access in south/central. This has implications for the delivery of aid to the most vulnerable populations identified as being in Humanitarian Emergency, Acute Food and Livelihood Crisis or displaced.

Between March and November 2005 more than twenty boats were hijacked off the Somali coast and the trend does not appear to be decreasing. Kenyan vessel owners are becoming very reluctant to use the southern Somali waters and are asking for armed escort to deliver World Food Programmes (WFP) commodities or UN relief. The temporary halt of sea transport is also impacting on the availability of fuel in south Somalia, directly affecting the humanitarian flights into the area. The southern Somali coastline is one of the most dangerous in the world and WFP's operations in southern Somalia have felt the consequences. The Agency is thus exploring alternative transport routes, including overland from Kenya and via Djibouti to reach those in desperate need of food assistance.

The situation has been further complicated by reports indicating that extremist groups pose an increased threat to humanitarian workers. This has led to the need to improve security standards and is likely to impact on humanitarian operating space. Mines are still being laid in southern Somalia, and the ongoing insecurity in the region has hindered a comprehensive plan to deal with them.

As the TFG strives to assert its authority, the role of all stakeholders in supporting local recovery and reconciliation processes through their presence and programmes is becoming more critical than ever - and 'access' remains a key factor to this success. The development of a common understanding and an agreed strategy on access may help promote collective and high level action within the country to ensure access is more easily secured in the future.

Since late 2005, OCHA has been leading the UN's initiative to maximize access opportunities in south/central where authorities have shown commitment to engaging (assisting with access) with humanitarian organizations. In future, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and related addendum will be signed between regional/local authorities and the UN to provide a framework for unimpeded access, protection and movement of relief aid to vulnerable populations.

Where it proves difficult to access vulnerable groups in south/central in 2006 the humanitarian community will also be looking to work closely with local Somali partners and empower them to carry out the implementation and monitoring of humanitarian activities.

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