Attachments
OVERVIEW
In June, conflict and insecurity, coupled with the effects of climate change, made the operational environment in Somalia challenging. The security situation in the country remained tense, with reports of armed conflict between Somali security forces and Al-Shabab, referred to as the non-state armed group (NSAG), and attacks on civilians by the NSAG. Although the recent rainfall, efforts of local communities and authorities, and sustained humanitarian assistance have prevented famine for the time being, humanitarian needs remain high. According to the Protection and Returns Monitoring Network (PRMN), which has been tracking internal displacement trends for the past 17 years, 92,000 internal displacements were recorded in June, primarily due to the combined effects of conflict/insecurity and drought, bringing the total number of internal displacements in 2023 to more than 1.3 million.
Finding durable solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers, refugee returnees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Federal Member States (FMS), and development and humanitarian partners remains one of UNHCR's top priorities in Somalia.
Moreover, UNHCR, in collaboration with authorities and partners, continued to provide vital protection assistance to vulnerable IDPs and host communities affected by conflict, flooding, and drought. In Somalia, UNHCR leads/co-leads the Protection, Shelter, and CCCM clusters for the IDP response.
UNHCR’s key achievements for the month of June are listed below:
▪ On 20 June, UNHCR, together with authorities, partners, refugees and asylum-seekers, refugee-returnees, and host communities, marked 2023 World Refugee Day. This year’s theme was " hope away from home": A world where refugees are always included,” to champion inclusion and solutions for refugees.
▪ The Helpline/Complaint Feedback Mechanisms (CFM) Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) was finalized, strengthening the affected communities’ ability to report on incidents of fraud and corruption, as well as attempted, actual, or potential aid diversion, among others.
▪ The Somaliland Refugee and Asylum-Seekers Law was launched in June. UNHCR had provided financial and technical support throughout the drafting and enactment of the law.
▪ In response to the internal displacements caused by the ongoing conflict between the Somali security forces and NSAG in Galmudug, UNHCR, through its partner, distributed cash assistance to 4,000 HHs (more than 35,000 individuals) to help meet their shelter and non-food item (NFI) needs