Maternal health | UNFPA and KS-Relief collaborate to enhance maternal and reproductive health in Somalia

A new partnership has begun between UNFPA Somalia and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KS Relief), marking the launch of a ground-breaking project to improve access to quality maternal and reproductive health for vulnerable and displacement-affected populations. It aims to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations, enhance emergency obstetric care, strengthen reproductive health services, and improve supply chain management. The project marks an important milestone in the collaborative efforts of UNFPA and KS-Relief to improve maternal and reproductive health in Somalia. With a shared commitment to the well-being and empowerment of vulnerable populations, the programme sets a strong foundation for positive change. Speaking at the launch event Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) in Somalia emphasised his country’s unwavering support for the people of Somalia.

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Environment | UNDP and partners hold training and advocacy events for a plastic-free future

On World Environment Day, UNDP joined Somali youth, government partners, and international agencies to organise a clean-up of Mogadishu beach. The event aimed to demonstrate commitment to responsible citizenship and advocate for the adoption of a zero-waste circular economy that fosters a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable future.

UNDP has also recently conducted a three-day training programme for officials from nine districts and one settlement in Somalia. The training aimed to equip them with knowledge and best practices to combat plastic waste pollution and enhance waste  management in urban areas.

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Resilience | FAO provides technical training to strengthen capacity of local partners

Through Swedish Government funding, FAO recently provided technical training to 15 local organisations working in hard-to-reach areas of the South West State of Somalia. The initiative aimed at helping frontline organisations design and implement more sustainable and inclusive food security projects with a focus on project cycle management and conflict sensitivity.

Local implementing partners are key to reaching vulnerable rural communities with support. Since 2020, FAO has worked with 277 local, non-governmental implementing partners across Somalia to address chronic food insecurity and help rural communities adapt their livelihoods in the face of an uncertain future affected by climate change, economic fragility, and other hazards.

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Infrastructure | UNOPS rehabilitates of the Jalam-Harfo section of the Gaalkacyo-Garowe Road

UNOPS is rehabilitating a 54 km section of the Gaalkacyo-Garowe road in Somalia, connecting two major towns in Puntland state. The project aims to improve economic activities, social interactions, and security by enhancing transportation between the cities. It will also provide better access to remote areas, promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for residents.

Despite challenges posed by rugged terrain and a lack of infrastructure, UNOPS is committed to the successful completion of the project. Capacity building for the Puntland Highway Authority ensures long-term maintenance and management of the road. This rehabilitation effort plays a crucial role in enhancing regional infrastructure and economic prospects, benefiting the people of Somalia.

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Mine awareness | UNMAS and the Somali Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) attended NDM-UN26

The Somali Explosive Management Authority (SEMA) participated in the 26th International Meeting of Mine Action National Directors and United Nations Advisers (NDM-UN26). The United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA) and the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD) co-hosted the event. During the meeting, SEMA highlighted the need for victim assistance amid the rising number of casualties caused by explosive ordnance in Somalia. During the inter-sessional meetings, SEMA had the opportunity to provide progress updates on the implementation of Article 5 of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. In line with Article 5 of the Convention, the State Parties are required to destroy and clear ‘all anti-personnel mines in mined areas under their jurisdiction or control’. Prior to the meeting, the Director of ITF, Ambassador Lovrenčič and Mr. Dahir Abdirahman Abdulle, the National Director General of SEMA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance the Mine Action partnership and coordination between the International Trust Fund for Demining and Mine Victims Assistance (ITF) and the Government of Somalia. The ITF Enhancing Human Security is a humanitarian, non-profit organisation that addresses the impact of mines or explosive remnants of war (ERW) and other hazards and supports projects and programmes through fundraising in such fields as the clearance of landmines and ERW, risk education, and victim assistance.

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Shelter | UNHCR hands over hybrid shelters, latrines, and title deeds

UNHCR in partnership with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) completed the construction of 50 hybrid shelters and latrines at the Nasahablood IDP settlement in Hargeisa. The construction of the shelters allows the vulnerable community to have access to secure and durable settlements to improve their living conditions as well as their overall well-being. Durable shelters have a positive impact on the local economy and increase livelihood opportunities for the affected populations, which is an important step towards durable solutions.

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Political | New top UN official in Somalia visits Federal Member States

The newly appointed UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing, completed a series of visits to the Federal Member States (FMSs) of Hirshabelle, Puntland, South West State and Jubaland, where she met with political leaders and reaffirmed the world body’s support and commitment to the country. Prior to her visits to the FMSs Ms. Laing met with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre. During her visits, she met with the State presidents and senior officials and discussed a range of issues, including security, state and peacebuilding and humanitarian needs.

As part of her visits to the FMSs Ms. Laing also met with the commanders of peacekeepers serving with the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), as well as UN staff based in these locations. The Special Representative was appointed to her position in May this year and arrived in Somalia on 5 June. In addition to serving in various roles in the government of the United Kingdom, Ms. Laing also served with the UN’s development arm from 1993 to 1994.

Read more on Hirshabelle, Puntland, South West State and Jubaland