Somalia crisis
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Somalia is currently facing an ongoing humanitarian crisis. According to the most recent UN OCHA report, food security is at a 16-year low, and this year's seasonal rains have been insufficient to change the situation. Meanwhile, the economic downturn is also hitting the country: remittances from the Somali diaspora, which make up a vital part of Somali income have dropped by 15%, owing to increased unemployment globally. This drop in income has contributed to the most basic goods being too expensive for many people. In addition, the cessation in hostilities at the beginning of 2009, although it promised an era of greater stability, sadly proved to be temporary, and the country has seen increased instability in recent months.
On October 6th, The Humanitarian Forum held a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, to discuss the situation in Somalia, strengthen the humanitarian response and give Somali local organisations a voice. The workshop provided a timely and neutral space for organisations to discuss Somalia's many needs, and there was general agreement that local Somali organisations would play a vital part in transforming and improving the sector.
"The missing link is the Somali people," said Mohamed Dahir, of Hijra. "We need to drop the culture of dependency. INGOs need to help by building systems in Somalia". Dr. Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, President of the Somali Red Crescent added, "local capacity building is fundamental, especially in Somalia where most of the actors are outside Somalia."
Read the minutes of the Nairobi workshop.
Updates and Situation Reports:
UNOCHA publishes up-to-date reports of the situation in Somalia. Access the Somalia homepage here.
See the IFRC 2010/11 appeal summary here.
Weekly situation reports can be accessed at this link.
Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP)
A CAP is a longer term strategic response to Humanitarian needs in the region. It outlines the key areas of engagement for the humanitarian sector and gives details of both the actors and the actions to be taken. The 2010 CAP report for Somalia can be accessed here.
Bani'Adam
Bani'Adam Relief & Development Organization was founded in 1991 in Mogadishu. It works in several regions on a number of programs including repatriation of displaced people and returnees, food distribution, rural poverty and rehabilitation of infrastructures.
Of The Somalia Conference, Bani'Adam President Abdulaziz Maio Mohamed says "From the very different international and local NGO backgrounds, I gained experience that will help in building strong, working relationships among Stakeholders in Humanitarian aid in Somalia. We're extremely pleased with the outcome of this Workshop and look forward to the future with our partnership."
