Somalia: UN Security Council | United Nations | Full

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Somalia, James Swan, told the Security Council today (7 Sep) that Somalia is facing a humanitarian catastrophe, with some 7.8 million Somalis — nearly half of the country’s estimated population — impacted by the worst drought in at least four decades, exacerbated by climate factors.

“With four consecutive failed rainy seasons, areas of the country face the risk of famine,” he added.

According to the Special Representative, humanitarian organizations have quadrupled the number of those reached with assistance to 5.3 million people since January.

“But with ever-escalating needs and a fifth failed rainy season projected, a further scale-up of humanitarian assistance is critical,” he added.

He then called on all parties to facilitate humanitarian access and donors to increase the needed funding.

Swan also noted that the ongoing humanitarian crisis has especially contributed to the vulnerability of displaced women and children, who historically have faced discrimination and exclusion from services.

Regarding the political climate, the Special Representative said that the new Somali administration had identified security as its top national priority.

“This comes at a time when Al Shabaab has demonstrated increased boldness,” he added.

Al Shabaab’s recent activities include targeted assassinations, complex attacks such as that on the Hayat Hotel in August, and large-scale military actions along the border with Ethiopia.

Swan said, “Somalia’s efforts towards force generation, integration, and coordination are necessary both to achieve military gains and to address citizens’ protection concerns.”

He added, “Effective Somali forces are key to the planned transition from ATMIS.”

Also at the Security Council, Abukar Dahir Osman, Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Somalia to the United Nations, thanked the humanitarian appeal and contribution to assist in response to the life-threatening needs in the country.

He also emphasized, “humanitarian assistance alone cannot provide a sustainable or cost-effective solution to the recurring climate shocks in Somalia, as it requires substantial development and climate change mitigation investment while strengthening the nexus between humanitarian and development assistance.”

The Permanent Representative concluded, “This will help us in achieving medium to long-term solutions to achieve the sustainable development goals and target our most vulnerable citizens who’re experiencing such a vulnerability.”

Credit
UN Photo/Evan Schneider