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Somalia: 2023 Deyr Rainy Season Situation Report #1
The Deyr rainy season in Somalia, spanning from October to December, has triggered significant challenges, including displacement, loss of life, and infrastructure damage. The FAO warns that over 1.2 million people in flood-prone areas are at risk of displacement, with 1.5 million hectares of land potentially inundated. The onset of El Niño is expected to exacerbate rainfall and flooding. Flash floods have damaged critical infrastructure, leading to potential water- and vector-borne diseases. The disruption of aid delivery is hampered by impassable muddy grounds. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, with a high risk of gender-based violence. The 2023 Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview reveals that 8.25 million people require assistance, with specific concerns for women and girls of reproductive age. Displacement increases vulnerability, impacting access to essential services and escalating risks, including economic hardships and gender-based violence. The flooding is anticipated to cause a surge in miscarriages, stillbirths, and pregnancy complications, emphasizing the urgent need for continued access to reproductive health services amid the escalating crisis.
GBV AoR Somalia EL Nino Preparedness & Response Plan
Amidst escalating gender-based violence (GBV) linked to armed conflicts and inter-clan strife, the impending El Nino event threatens to have devastating consequences on the lives of women and girls. It is poised to worsen feminized poverty, restrict physical freedom and educational opportunities, deplete female-headed households' incomes, and disrupt essential health and social services for pregnant and lactating women. Vulnerable populations, such as women from minority clans and those with disabilities in high-risk areas, will face heightened disadvantages as service accessibility declines, and humanitarian aid becomes scarcer due to reduced funding. In response to these challenges, urgent action and resource mobilization are required, but limited funding poses a significant obstacle. The increased risk of GBV, sexual exploitation, and harassment is anticipated as displaced women and girls become more food insecure during severe flooding, potentially leading to negative coping mechanisms and an upsurge in intimate partner violence. The GBV AoR also has effective coordination platforms in the locations that will be impacted by Flooding – Hirshabelle, Jubbaland, South-west state (SWS), and Galmudug.
A Research Study on The Provisions of Islam on the Eradication of FGM in Somalia
A UNFPA-commissioned study by PDRC examined FGM's historical precedence and resistance from the Ulama (Somali religious scholars). It used literature reviews, interviews, and focus groups in various cities. The study found that FGM lacks support in the Quran, Hadith, Ijma’a, or qiyas. Ulama interpretations vary, with some considering Type I FGM as recommended, while Type III is seen as prohibited. Some argue FGM is virtuous, but the Ulama recommend consulting medical practitioners before ruling on FGM. They emphasize that the Prophet (PBUH) never practiced it, concluding that FGM is not permissible in Islam, aligning with the authentic Hadith: "Do not harm yourself or others."
Assessing Progress in Implementing the ICPD Programme of Action: First National Review Report
The ICPD Progress Review Report for Somalia, the first of its kind, provides an overview of the country's progress in implementing the commitments made at the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) for the period 2018-2022. The report assesses the achievements, challenges, and gaps in fulfilling the goals of the ICPD Programme of Action (PoA), particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender equality, and empowerment of women and girls as well as international cooperation and partnerships.
Somalia Situation Report - May 2023
The Somali population continues to endure numerous challenges, including climatic shocks, conflict, flash and riverine floods, and armed conflict. Among the most affected groups are displaced and vulnerable women and girls across the country. The Somalia 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) analysis reveals that over half of the estimated population, amounting to 8.25 million individuals, require critical humanitarian and protection assistance.
UNFPA Somalia Annual Report 2022
We are pleased to present the annual report for 2022 by the UNFPA Country Office for Somalia, which outlines our unwavering dedication to enhancing the lives of vulnerable populations, with a particular emphasis on women, adolescents, and youth. Throughout the report, we underscore the significance of collaborative efforts with the Somali government and our valued partners to tackle the multifaceted challenges arising from conflicts, displacement, and the pressing issue of climate crisis. With heartfelt gratitude for the support we have received, this report reaffirms UNFPA's steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare, promoting gender equality, and fostering youth empowerment within the context of Somalia.
Somalia Situation Report - April 2023
The humanitarian situation in Somalia remains one of the most complex in the world, impacting millions of people due to various challenges including displacements, climatic shocks, drought, flash floods, riverine floods, and armed conflict. According to the Somalia 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), approximately 8.25 million people, nearly half of the population, require life-saving humanitarian and protection assistance
UNFPA Somalia GBV Quarterly Advocacy Brief | January-March 2023
The drought crisis in Somalia, which is now in its sixth season without rain, continues to be one of the most severe and felt shocks, endangering the lives, dignity, and prospects of millions of people. For women and girls, the impact has been severe. Ongoing conflicts, a spiraling economic crisis, displacements, unprecedented food and staple shortages, have converged to exacerbate gender-based violence. From January to March, 6.3 million people were expected to face crisis or worse food insecurity outcomes (IPC Phase 3 and above) including 322,000 who are likely to face catastrophic hunger (IPC Phase 5); while 1.2 million women and girls are estimated to suffer from lack of access to protective shelter and adequate specialized services for GBV.
Somalia Situation Report - March 2023
The humanitarian situation in Somalia is complex and continues to affect millions of people through multiple displacements, climatic shocks, flash and riverine floods, and armed conflict. Ongoing fighting in Las'Anod has displaced between 154,000 and 203,000 people since December 2022, with an estimated 100,000 crossing into Ethiopia. The Somalia 2023 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) indicates that nearly half of the Somali population, approximately 8.25 million people, require life-saving humanitarian and protection assistance
Commemorating International Women’s Day 2023
International Women's Day is a global event that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality. The day has been observed for over a century and has been an essential platform for highlighting the ongoing struggles that women face in achieving equal rights and opportunities. It is a reminder of the need to promote women's empowerment and work towards a more equitable society. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recognizes the significance of International Women's Day and its role in advocating for gender equality, and it is committed to supporting and empowering women in Somalia