Mogadishu –At an event to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Somalia, the United Nations today commended the Federal Government for its progress in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“I would like to congratulate the Somali Government for reaching significant milestones in the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities. These include the ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, establishing the National Disability Agency (NDA) and most recently the Cabinet’s approval of the Disability Rights Bill,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho.

In anticipation of further developments, the Deputy Special Representative also expressed the hope that the legislative process would result in the passage of the Disability Rights Bill, emphasising its importance for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities.

“The United Nations looks forward to Parliament passing the Disability Rights Bill and, thereafter, it being signed into law,” she said.

Ms. Gbeho had been speaking at a joint observance of the Day, which also served as the launch of the NDA’s National Disability Assessment Report and the presentation and validation of a five-year Strategy and Action Plan for the NDA.

The event brought together organisations of persons with disabilities, government officials, and international agencies and partners to spotlight the achievements and challenges of persons with disabilities in Somalia.

“I would like to express gratitude to all international partners, especially the United States and the United Kingdom, for their continued support to persons with disabilities as a clear demonstration of commitment to serve all Somalis. Because ultimately, we look forward to contributing to Somalia’s vision of a peaceful, prosperous and stable society where no one is left behind,” Ms. Gbeho said.

Significant step 

Based on a global average of 15 per cent of the population having a disability, it is estimated that approximately 2.5 million people in Somalia have a disability. However, due to the prolonged conflict and humanitarian crises, this figure for Somalia is likely to be higher.

In her remarks, the Deputy Special Representative highlighted the importance of the National Disability Assessment Report, which was supported by the United Nations.

“Today’s launch of the National Disability Needs Assessment report, which took one and a half years to complete, is another significant step of a clear determination to place the rights of persons with disabilities at the forefront – all these are parts of inclusion efforts to ensure that no one is left behind,” Ms. Gbeho said. “The National Disability Needs Assessment report is important as it will provide a better understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Somalia. The report highlights a number of key challenges faced by persons with disabilities including their experiences with discrimination, difficulties reaching humanitarian assistance and education, and lack of inclusion in decision-making processes.”

The NDA was established in 2018 and officially launched in July 2021 to promote and mainstream disability rights in existing policies, laws, programmed and institutions. It also seeks to serve people with disabilities equally in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The UN General Assembly proclaimed 3 December as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 1992. The Day is a global celebration of the rights, dignity, and achievements of persons with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in all spheres of life.

Tuesday December 5, 2023

Suspected pirates aboard a hijacked Iranian fishing boat have surrendered to Somali police after being monitored by European Union Operation Atalanta assets.

On 22 November, the European Union Naval Force (EU Navfor) Joint Operations Centre was alerted by the Commander of the Somali Coast Guard about the abduction of an Iranian-flagged fishing dhow off the coast of Eyl (Puntland, Somalia). The ‘pirates’ are thought to have come from a local clan and their attack on the fishing vessel was in response to claims of the fishing vessel operating within Somali territorial waters. It has been reported that the Somalis were demanding $400 000 for the release of the Al-Meraj I and its crew. Reports added that they threatened to use the vessel to attack more shipping if the ransom was not paid.

From the 22nd on, Operation Atalanta monitored the Al-Meraj I closely for more than 230 nautical miles away from the coast of Somalia, contributing to prevent the alleged pirates from posing any threat, EU Navfor said in a statement. It added the operation included the deployment of an unarmed ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicle from an Operation Atalanta warship. It is thought the vessel was not boarded because authorities were not sure if hostages were on board.

The Al-Meraj I, after losing its two towed skiffs and in poor weather, turned back towards the coast of Puntland and its crew surrendered to Somali police. This points to good co-operation between the EU Navfor task force, the Somali authorities and stresses the relevance of the EU presence as continually contributing to freedom of navigation in waters where pirates once ran riot, the EU Navfor said on 1 December.

“Many of these Somali forces have participated in training exercises with EU Navfor warships, in cooperation with the EU Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia). The acquired knowledge and mutual trust ensured an effective and safe transfer,” EU Navfor added.

Currently, Atalanta has as active assets the Italian Navy flagship Durand De La Penne (D560) with an NH90 helicopter and Spanish frigate Victoria (F82) with its AB212helicopter, a Special Operations Forces team, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), as well as maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Last month, five men operating from a small boat in waters near the Yemen coast boarded the tanker Central Park. An American destroyer, USS Mason, was able to intervene and demand the men leave the vessel, after which they chased the escaping boat and apprehended the five men, who are believed to be Somalis, indicating a possible return to piracy in the region.

Tuesday December 5, 2023.

GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is calling for immediate and collective action to confront the unparalleled impact of climate change and its profound effects on displaced populations and their host communities at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai.

Throughout the world, the ripple effects of climate change intensify the hardship experienced by displaced communities. The convergence of conflict and climate change critically impedes their ability to secure safety, essential resources, and sustainable livelihoods.

“The climate emergency is punishing displaced people three times; It tears them from their homes, it compounds their crisis in exile and destroys their homeland, preventing them from returning,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi. “This harsh reality highlights the way the climate emergency exacerbates displacement and human suffering.”

Climate change reveals a stark injustice as those who have contributed least to environmental degradation suffer the most. In a concerning trend, nearly 60 per cent of the world’s displaced find themselves in countries most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, such as Syria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.

“As we convene at COP28, prioritizing the plight of the most vulnerable is imperative. Our collective commitment to climate action must involve robust measures to protect those affected,” Grandi said. “The inclusion of those most affected is vital to our discussions and responses. The experiences and solutions of displaced communities deserve a significant place in the global climate discussion.”

UNHCR invites the global community to join hands in recognizing the resilience and agency of displaced individuals, urging the world to listen, learn and act collectively for a future where no one is left behind in the face of climate challenges.

As the international community grapples with a well-established scientific consensus and recognized solutions, the pace of change remains insufficient. UNHCR urges a collective and bold call to action, demanding credible steps toward a sustainable future. The urgency cannot be overstated; immediate actions are crucial for displaced populations, who bear a disproportionate impact and urgently require accelerated efforts to address the environmental challenges they face every day.

In anticipation of the Global Refugee ForumLink is external next week, UNHCR is committed to close collaboration with governments, the private sector partners, and communities to pave the way for a sustainable future where the nexus between climate change and displacement is effectively addressed through inclusive and innovative solutions.

UNHCR calls on the international community to join in tackling urgent challenges by participating in the climate action pledgesLink is external, contributing to a more sustainable future for displaced communities.

Tuesday December 5, 2023.

RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) signed a joint cooperation agreement with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to improve the living conditions of residents affected by drought and humanitarian crises in Somalia.

The two sides were represented, during the signing of the agreement in Riyadh, by the Assistant General Supervisor of the KSrelief for Operations and Programs Eng. Ahmed Al-Baiz, and the Country Director of the Norwegian Refugee Council in Somalia Mohammed Abdi.

The director of the KSrelief’s health and environmental aid department Dr. Abdullah Al-Muallem explained that according to the agreement, 20 artesian wells will be drilled, electric pumps will be constructed, and a solar energy system will be installed for each well.

He also indicated that a high tank will be constructed for each well with all its accessories according to the specifications approved by KSrelief.

Six water stations will also be rehabilitated by providing them with solar energy systems, as well as the installation and operation of electric pumps.

This will be implemented in several areas, which are Mudug, Nugal, Bari, Sool and Sanaag in the state of Puntland in Somalia.

Al-Muallem said that 130,000 individuals will benefit from these works, which are estimated at a total value of 3 million and 588 thousand US dollars.

This comes within the efforts made by Saudi Arabia, represented by kSrelief, to improve the living conditions of the affected people in Somalia.

The Kingdom makes its efforts through sustainable interventions in the water and environmental sanitation sector and the provision of potable water.

Tuesday December 5, 2023

(ERGO) – Omar Hassan Yusuf decided his family of small children were better off staying in their house in Tawakal camp in Mogadishu’s Hodan district even though it is awash with smelly flood water.

For the past two weeks he has been wading through deep water to get to and from his house but says he does not know where else they could go.

A father of six, he earns a living for his family using his handcart, making 10,000 Somali shillings (about half a dollar) per job. Since 5 November when flash floods hit the camp in the notorious swampy Siigaale area of the city, he has been at home watching over his family and their belongings.

His wife, paralysed in both legs, has been unable to help the children ages two to eight with so much water around both inside and outside the house. Most of their neighbours evacuated the flooded camp, so she has nobody else to assist.

“We are lucky to get one meal a day; we only eat at night. In the morning if we drink one cup of tea there is nothing else for the day. If we get anything else we keep it for the children,” Omar said.

“The reason why I couldn’t leave is because my life depends on being here because I earn a living from the market. If I don’t get an income I can always come back to my neighbours who are also IDPs and tell them my children are hungry, and they help us. If we moved who would we be able to depend on?” he explained.

Omar was displaced by conflict in Marka, Lower Shabelle, in 2017 and says this is the worst flooding he has seen in the seven years hey have lived in Mogadishu.

His family is among 70 other IDP families who have remained in Tawakal camp. Sewage pipes have broken and poured filthy water into the floods and although he is aware of the health risks he still feels staying is the best option.

“Now there is water all in my house. We began trying to get the water out of the house in the morning and we are still doing it now. We are in hardship, the water has cut us off and we are surrounded by it,” he said.

About 400 families evacuated from their houses in Siigaale area after hearing the warnings of imminent heavy downpours. They were helped by volunteer youths to move away from the low-lying camps.

However, some of these families are now facing food shortage and have no shelter.

Madino Diriye Hassan, a single mother of four children, moved from Alle-Amin camp in Hodan in October after hearing warning messages. But she and her children are now stuck in Danyar camp in Deynile district without any clean water or shelter.

As the downpours continued, a neighbour in Danyar told her to move in with them. The flimsy house made of plastic and cloth was destroyed as floods struck again.

“We don’t have a house, my children are facing cold, hardship and hunger. We have to get water from a place very far from here. At night we sleep outside as the house was destroyed, we don’t have plastic sheeting or iron-sheets. If you need anything you will have to buy it,” she said.

A jerrycan of water at taps outside the camp costs 1,000 shillings. Madino said they get one meal a day from helpful neighbours in the new camp.

Madino is no stranger to flooding, as she moved with her children to Mogadishu from Afgoye in 2021 after river floods washed away her house and shop. She lost her husband in a mine explosion in Shalanbood in Lower Shabelle in 2020.

“We are worried and stressed. If it starts raining we don’t have shelter, we don’t have a place to store our clothes, we were using sacks to cover our clothes and they too have become wet. If the rain continues like this it could kill us,” said Madino.

Siigaale area camp leader, Sidow Nur, said whenever there was heavy rainfall in Mogadishu water flowed from higher ground including Hodan, Howlwadag and Wabari districts and collected in Siigaale, where almost 1,000 IDP families have been living.

He noted that the floods had affected 26 camps in Siigaale. Some had moved out, but around 600 people had remained put in their flooded camps, having nowhere else to go and fearing losing whatever they had.

“The camp shelters were made of plastic bags and they have been destroyed. As you can see the people have been affected by the floods and many families are living together, so that is our problem and we pray that God alleviates it,” he said.