Attachments
OVERVIEW
In December, as the multifold humanitarian crisis in Somalia persisted, millions remained in need of aid. The Protection and Returns Monitoring Network (PRMN), which has been tracking internal displacement trends for the past 17 years, recorded some 86,000 internal displacements in December alone, primarily due to flooding, bringing the total number of internal displacements in 2023 to 2.9 million. Somalia is facing the brunt of climate change, despite its low greenhouse gas emissions. During the month, Deyr rains somewhat slowed, but Bulo Burte in the Hiran region was flooded when the Shabelle River broke its banks. Although many displaced households were reportedly returning to their homes, stagnant floodwaters along the riverine areas posed a health risk. The security situation in the country remained tense, with ongoing military operations to reclaim territory from the Al-Shabaab, hereafter referred to as the non-state armed group (NSAG) in Hirshabelle State, indiscriminate attacks by the NSAG in the central and southern parts of the country, political disputes over the planned election in Puntland, military buildup in Oog, near Laascaanood in Sool, and clan violence in multiple parts of the country.
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 December are listed below:
▪ As a part of its durable solutions initiative, UNHCR in Gardo, Puntland, completed the construction of 78 permanent shelters for refugees and IDPs. Likewise, in Bossaso, Puntland, UNHCR handed over 150 permanent shelters and land title deeds to IDPs.
▪ In response to the floods, UNHCR handed over boats and life jackets to the local administrations of Beletweyne in Hiran region and Dollow in Gedo region.
▪ UNHCR, authorities, and partners received 159 Somali refugee returnees under the Assisted Spontaneous Return (ASR) programme. The returnees have been biometrically registered and are receiving assistance to make a dignified return and reintegrate into their communities.
▪ In Banadir, UNHCR distributed multipurpose cash assistance (1,832 HHs) and cash for NFI (1,091 HHs) to some 17,500 drought-affected IDPs.