UNITED NATIONS, Sep 24 (IPS) – Somalia is currently facing a serious humanitarian crisis that threatens to destabilise the country’s security. The crisis is the result of the Somali civil war, which began in 1991. Clashes between clan-based operations have caused a number of problems over the years, including more than 596 civilian casualties, according to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM). Tensions have risen dramatically in 2024, with a rapidly increasing number of internally displaced people and food insecurity.
“Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that since the beginning of the year, an estimated 150,000 people have been displaced by renewed clan conflict and ongoing military operations. This has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and further worsened humanitarian needs,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, at a press conference at United Nations (UN) headquarters.
Levels of general violence in Somalia have increased significantly in recent years. The UN reports an increase in gender-based violence from 2022 onwards, with cases of domestic violence and rape rising among girls in displacement centres. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates that 45 percent of girls are married off before they are 18.
In addition, violence against Somali children remains high, with killings, recruitment and sexual violence on the rise, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Children have been detained by Somali authorities on suspicion of ties to the armed group Al-Shabaab. In addition, attacks on schools have significantly exacerbated the country’s ongoing education crisis. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) estimates that 85 percent of Somali children are out of school.
For decades, widespread food insecurity and famine have plagued Somalia. From 2020 to 2023, Somalia experienced its longest drought on record, with the resulting hunger crisis pushing communities to the brink. Heavy rains and flooding in the first quarter of 2024 have left more than 4 million people severely food insecure, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
Armed conflict over the past three decades has significantly hampered the growth of Somalia’s agricultural sector, exacerbating the hunger crisis. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) says violent clashes have damaged “Somalia’s systems and infrastructure that would have provided a barrier against climate and economic disasters.” There have also been reports that food and essential resources have been burned by warring parties in recent years.
Somalia is currently heavily dependent on imports to prevent hunger throughout the country. The World Bank states that “the economy has remained heavily dependent on imports as conflict has destroyed the productive capacity of the economy.” It is estimated that more than 55 percent of the population lives in extreme poverty, while GDP growth has remained relatively stagnant.
The displacement crisis in Somalia is considered one of the worst in the world. Currently, there are around 4 million people internally displaced, which is about 21 percent of the country’s population.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that 247,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to severe flooding. Some 53,600 people have been displaced by the floods, with critical shelters destroyed.
The World Bank adds that there are more than 38,000 refugees in Somalia from neighboring countries such as Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as Yemen. This influx of refugees has overwhelmed the reception centers for Somali displaced people, leading to overcrowding, poor hygiene, security concerns, limited access to essential resources and an increased risk of gender-based violence.
Armed conflict has greatly deteriorated living conditions and access to essential resources for displaced people. A report by HRW said attacks by the armed group Al-Shabaab have led to blockades in the town of Baidoa, hampering the arrival of humanitarian aid.
“In July, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced it was withdrawing from Las Anod due to increased violence, recurring attacks on medical facilities and injuries to medical staff,” HRW added. In addition, flooding has significantly hampered humanitarian aid, leaving many areas completely inaccessible.
Furthermore, studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) state that Somalia has the distinction of having the most prevalent mental health crisis in the world, due to long-term exposure to violence. Approximately one-third of the population is plagued by some form of mental disorder, which is greatly exacerbated by the lack of mental health facilities in the country. The WHO has officially recognized only five psychiatric hospitals in the country.
Currently, UN humanitarian initiatives are underway to alleviate the ongoing crisis. UNSOM is committed to supporting peacekeeping missions, supported by the federal government. OCHA is working to assist flood-affected communities. The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for Somalia calls for $1.6 billion to effectively alleviate tensions and support more than 5.2 million people. The UN strongly encourages donor contributions, as only 37 percent of that target has been reached.
IPS UN Office Report
Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
Follow IPS News UN Bureau on Instagram
© Inter Press Service (2024) — All rights reservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service
