Humanitarian Context
Somalia has been without a central government for
the best part of a decade. Much of that time has been
dominated by localised factional rivalry, leading to
violence and human suffering. Upheaval has also
brought significant political and social change. Two
regional administrations have emerged – 'Somaliland'
and 'Puntland' – resulting in greater
levels of peace and stability in northwestern and
northeastern Somalia. On another level, women have
been placed at the forefront of the socio-economic
transition, despite continuing political
marginalisation.
In late 2000, a national peace process concluded with
the formation of a Transitional National Government in
Mogadishu. With a marked improvement in humanitarian
conditions, and groundswell support for peace and
reconciliation, Somalia has the opportunity to move
away from factional and criminal violence toward
stability, peace and protection of human rights.
Nonetheless, Somalia remains one of the most difficult
operating environments in the world.
United Nations agencies working in Somalia have
formulated strategies for the year 2001 to meet
humanitarian needs and support Somalia’s transition
toward peace, stability and respect for human rights.
The strategies address the continuing vulnerability of
many Somali communities, ongoing assistance to
'Somaliland' and 'Puntland', and support to the
Transitional National Government. To implement
these strategies, UN Agencies are requesting
US$101,532,300 for assistance to Somalia in 2001.
As an immediate next step, UN agencies are now engaged
in a full-fledged planning process with their partners
in the Somalia Aid Coordination Body (SACB) to review
and strengthen common sectoral standards and
approaches. This process will result in a complete
2001 Consolidated Appeal for Somalia, by mid-January
2001.
The UN strategy for 2001
UN agencies will support the rehabilitation of
livelihoods and the strengthening of emerging
governance structures across Somalia. In close
cooperation with SACB partners, UN assistance will
support Somali populations affected by a decade of
armed conflict and living in extreme poverty. Efforts
will be made to capitalise on new opportunities for
humanitarian access brought about by peaceful
transition in order to increase targeted assistance to
vulnerable communities.
Health and Nutrition: The continuing, high
incidence of endemic diseases such as TB, malaria,
cholera, respiratory infections, and kala azar, as
well as pockets of severe malnutrition, give an
indication of the importance of international
assistance in this sector.
Food Security: The short term bodes well: good
rains have regenerated pasture and livestock, and
total crop production for the main ‘gu’ harvest is
the second largest in the post-war period. However,
this temporary respite disguises underlying
vulnerability and erosion of livelihoods caused by
successive drought and conflict. Without further
improvement in
their livelihood base many communities will face
further food and water insecurity.
 |
Water and Sanitation: Under normal
conditions, it is estimated that less than 30% of
Somalis have access to clean water. Poor access leads
to higher prices (stretching poorer incomes to the
limit) and greater distances in water collection
(increasing the workload of women and girls).
Diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera, and child
malnutrition are related to limited access to safe
water, poor hygiene and sanitation.
Education: On average only one in ten children
attend primary school. The rate of education declines
further for children aged 14-18 years. In 1999, a
UNICEF survey covering primary schools throughout
Somalia indicated an enrolment rate of 65% for boys
and 35% for girls. These statistics tell the simple
story of a lost generation.
Reintegration of Returnees: It is estimated
that more than one million Somalis fled the country
since conflict commenced in 1991. More than 350,000
Somali refugees are now estimated to be in camps
established in neighbouring countries – Ethiopia,
Kenya, Djibouti and Yemen. The present prevailing
security conditions in many regions – particularly
the northeast and northwest of Somalia – has
prepared the way for the return of refugees and
displaced populations.
Human Rights and Gender: An indication of
social breakdown is the number of children in need of
special care and protection. Gender discrimination is
also deeply rooted in the traditional socio-cultural
structures of Somali society and remains a formidable
barrier to women's control of political and economic
resources.
Transitional Governance: To support national
and regional capacities provide effective governance
and social services for civilian populations, UN
agencies have adopted an integrated, multi-sectoral,
and interagency approach. This will support peace and
development through the rehabilitation of productive
capacities, social and physical infrastructures,
governance mechanisms, and institutional strengthening
through the return of qualified nationals from the
diaspora.
Coordination and Security: Efforts are ongoing
to increase cross-sectoral, field-based planning,
programming and situation analysis. The UN is taking a
lead role in developing humanitarian principles,
minimum standards of operation and protection
strategies. Complimentarily, the UN Security System is
strengthening its abilities to assist UN agencies to
take advantage of increasing field access. Throughout
the year, security procedures, information sharing,
staff training and the availability of communications
and other equipment, will be enhanced.
|
Sector
Food Security
Health and Nutrition
Water & Environmental Sanitation
Education
Reintegration of Refugees and Resettlement of IDPs
Human Rights and Gender
Governance and Development
Mine Awareness
Return of Qualified Nationals
Support Services (co-ordination and security)
|
Agency
FAO/WFP
UNICEF/WHO/UNFPA
UNICEF
UNESCO/UNICEF
UNHCR/IOM
UNIFEM/UNICEF/OHCHR
UNDP/UNICEF/IOM
UNCU/UNDP
|
Total (US$)
117,280,000
15,383,500
7,540,000
11,400,000
11,580,800
2,778,000
33,470,000
2,100,000
|
