Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................... 2
2.
LIST OF ACRONYM ............................................................................................ 3
3.
WAYFORWARD BY CHAIRPERSON ............................................................... 4
4.
AKNOWLEGMENT ............................................................................................. 5
5.
EXCUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................ 6
6.
SOMALI DISABILITY CLUSTER ........................................................................ 8
7.
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................. 9
9.
ASSESSMENT GOAL AND PURPOSE ........................................................... 16
9.
REPORT SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS ................................ 18
10. SAMPLE DEMOGRAPHICS .............................................................................. 25 11. CONCLUSION .................................................................................................... 34 12. RECOMMENDATIONS AND WAY FORWARD ........................................... 36 13. ASSESSMENT KEY PARTNERS ....................................................................... 40 14. APPENDIX .......................................................................................................... 42 15. CONTACTS ......................................................................................................... 43 16. THE END PAGE ................................................................................................. 44
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
2
List of Acronyms Used
SDC
-
Somali Disability Cluster
DPOs
-
Disabled People Organizations
PWDs
-
Persons with Disabilities
CRPD
-
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
NGOs
-
Non Governmental Organizations
INGOs
-
International Non-Governmental Organizations
FG S
-
Federal Government of Somalia
FMS
-
Federal Member State
UN
-
United Nation
UNDIS
-
United Nation Disability Inclusion Strategy
EU
-
European Union
FGM
-
Female Genital Mutilation
FSNAU
-
Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit
SDG 2030
-
Sustainable Development Gaols
UNICEF
-
United National International Children’ Emergency Fund
UNFPA
-
United National Population Fund
SHF
-
Somali Humanitarian Fund
IRISE HUB
-
Somalia Innovative Solution
CCC
-
Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
3
FOREWORD MESSAGE BY THE CHAIRPERSON It is my pleasure to present this valuable report on Humanitarian Aid Disparity in Somalia in the 12 anniversary of the world humanitarian day 19 August 2021. A report widely covering the exclusion of Humanitarian aid some groups of the community. The report captures the humanitarian aid and development programs distribution challenges against the PWDs and members of the families in the nationwide Somalia The Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) in Somalia are in a wakening-up situation with revolutionary of changes, through mass advocacy and awareness in the society for the reduction of discrimination and human rights abuses against the Somalia Disability People. The voice of the disability is gaining support on the ground in the country with legal protection - the United Nation Convection Rights of Persons With Disabilities. Somalia federal government passed two laws on 31 December 2018 on the National Disability Agency Establishment and passed by the cabinet on the 21 January 2020 and is in the finalization process. This report is highlighting the negligence and deliberate discriminations against the PWDs in Somalia humanitarian aid, a country with more than 3 million people dependent on aid and donor support programs. The PWDs are part of the vulnerable groups with high priority in the humanitarian aid. Finally the 44 pages report with info graphics, boxes and narrative report is tailored to play an important role towards the humanitarian aid advocacy for the PWDs ration of the aid as more than 10% and the minimal DPOs’ cooperation and partnership with donors. Its worth noting that, the DPOs are actors with more skills and knowledge of the PWDs service delivery, coordination and management. Therefore, I recommend to the Somalia stakeholders, the civil society, international donors and the federal states and federal government insure the protection of the PWDs and members of their families the humanitarian aid and related assistance to DPOs and PWDs. Yours Sincerely, Mr. Abdullahi Hassan Hussein The Chairperson Somalia Disability Cluster (SDC)
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
4
Acknowledgments Somalia Disability Cluster together with its member organizations and partners are pleased with the hard work by various participants towards the production of this assessment report. As SDC, we therefore take the opportunity to acknowledge all individuals, groups and organizations that made contribution in the assessment data collection, interviews, discussions, data interpretation, analysis and research design. We also extend our gratitude to all individual and group members of respondents who gave us their words and ideas as input towards the production of this informative and solution oriented report. The IDPs Camps. DPOs and the Networks of the PWDs. May we also register our appreciation of each and every contributor of this process from planning to final stage? As SDC, we look forward to continuous advocacy and lobbying for the rights of the voiceless groups in the society to be heard and seen loudly both in public and private throughout the country. Thanks all of the participants with their contribution the production of 44 pages report supportive the advocacy for the 20% of the population. A voiceless and Most neglected groups in the society for their for their destiny the disability. Our collective effort may lead solution for long lasted problems in the community, unjustifiable stereotype again the key members of our population the PWDs and their actors the DPOs. Thanks all of the participants with little energy and commitment in put this informative report and hope you deserve heart felt awards.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
5
I.
Executive summary
Introduction This 44 pages report prepared by Somalia Disability Cluster (SDC) was conducted as part of the organization’s review efforts to determined status and gaps existing in the humanitarian aid and development programs in Somalia among the Disabled People Organizations and People with disabilities and to come up with appropriate action plans and recommendations to the concerned authorities and agencies. SDC aims to be on the forefront in identifying existing humanitarian aid gaps among the DPOs as well as recommend both immediate and long-term solutions. I. Assessment Methodology The assessment employed direct and indirect communication and focus group discussions (FGDs) through online and telephone calls among the actors of the target populations and groups. The assessment engaged a total of 21 IDP cams hosting several thousand beneficiaries and 20 DPOs serving thousands of beneficiaries. During the assessment, professional data management was ensured at all stages.
II. Report Findings The situation for People with disabilities and Disabled People Organizations efforts to accessing humanitarian aid and other social services throughout this review were described by respondents as ‘invisible’ or ‘forgotten’. Our teams’ field visits and participatory activities with stakeholders revealed that DPOs and PWDs are not included in planning and distribution of humanitarian aid support by the various agencies and government authorities. All these groups identified similar challenges such as the inaccessible physical environment, lack of awareness in the communities, Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
6
negative attitudes and stigma, and a severe shortage of assistive devices and mobility aids. Poverty was also identified as a major barrier to the inclusion of people with disabilities. Many stakeholders said people with disabilities were often part of families described as the ‘poorest of the poor’. The findings indicate that while much is being done by SDC to promote people’s rights in Somalia, the programming and advocacy tends to focus on children in general. Throughout the review there was an underlying problems is lack of national strategic plans and statistics people with disabilities. Beside discriminative process of humanitarian aid lack CRPD skills for the Humanitarian actors on the ground. Regarding disability there seems to be a focus on theoretically what should be done (ideal scenarios) and not what can practically be done (strategies for action). This could be due to a lack of disability training in the past. Overall, SDC team identified their own lack of skills and knowledge related to disability, but demonstrated commitment and willingness to learn and increase SDC’s support for people with disabilities. Partners also indicated their own lack of disability awareness training. Indeed, much of the review evidence points to the need for capacity building in disability awareness for SDC staff and some partners. Continuous professional development of all SDC staff is needed around disability, with opportunities for collaboration and sharing ideas for best practice. III. Summary of recommendations The report recommends for the international humanitarian communities to continue working closely with local authorities, Federal States and Federal government of Somalia. And th e national NGOs and civil society organizations to ensure local resources cover the priority needs of all people identified to be in need of humanitarian assistance. The international donors, partners and Somalia federal government should insure implementation of the international humanitarian aid principles and sanders. The main recommendations on how to include DPOs and persons with disabilities in humanitarian and development programmes in Somalia are suggested to various actors such as Somalia Federal Government, International Communities, UN Agencies, Humanitarian communities, etc. These recommendations should be applied across various sectors, including but not limited to: water, sanitation and hygiene; food security and livelihoods; shelter and settlements; health care; Education, Livelihood, etc.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
7
Somalia Disability Cluster (SDC) Brief Background Somalia Disability Cluster (SDC) is a network of Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) based in Somalia focusing on improving human rights and protection of the PWDs lives and livelihoods, promoting respect for their dignity and coordination of information on humanitarian aid, development utilization and observation of Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other human rights instruments. SDC have continued with its routine assessment programs in consultation with other stakeholders including local and international partners operating in Somalia. Our latest assessment in South and Central regions revealed existence of rampant discrimination and exclusion meted on DPOs and People with disabilities on social, economic, political and humanitarian aid. The organization’s goal is to promote development activities in Somalia through focused Capacity Building Initiatives and implementation of community development projects. As well human rights protection and the advocacy for PWDs protection legislation and policies national and international laws and protocols protecting the venerable people the disability people. The cluster main work is monthly conference natural held the last week of every month and unusually meeting that is called for particular issue of concern for the members of the cluster and overall situation of the PWDs and the DPOs in Somalia. And. Annual meeting for the cluster colander year where members of the board and execution have meetings for the past year and the next year work plans and strategy evaluation. BOX 1. World Humanitarian Day on August 19 honors humanitarian aid workers all over the world. Established by the UN in 2009, this day commemorates the anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations headquarters in Iraq. 22 people lost their lives, including the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights. Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
8
1.0
Report Introduction
According to the 2014 Government of Somalia and the UN Population Estimation Survey, Somalia’s population in 2014 was 12.3 million. Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, that population is predominantly young with 75 present of it estimated to be under the age of 30, and almost 50 present under the age of 154 . Somalia is also rapidly urbanising and, according to the 2017-2018 Somalia remains highly dependent on aid and remittances. The ODA to GDP ratio in 2018 was 26.6 present. Inflows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) are rising as is domestic revenue collected by the Federal Government; however, relative to GDP, their levels remain low at 5.5 present and 2.5 present respectively in 2018. ODA combined with remittances comprised more than 50 present of GDP in 2017 Somalia disabled people are estimated 20% of the population with learning variety disabilities. The sensory and physical impairment in county with some additional factories contributing the disability, the disasters, the wars and polio the majority caused of disability in the world. Somalia is a country with three decades of wars and choice that made weak the rule of the law and the governance. The federal government is progressing the state build thee security, legislation and economic. Somalia PWDs suffer discrimination in the social among the people where there are some practises and stereotype in the social making painful discriminations and abuses against the disability people. These eliminated the PWDs and DPOs role in the public and private service deliverable. Where majority of these people victim without justices for the majority of the people. The majority of the Somalia PWDs suffer abject poverty attributed lack of skills and education that married their image in the stereotype. These pave way that most members of the PWDs dependent support from relatives, charity and begging in the public. Unemployment is key source hampering the day to day live in the social. Where majority of them share common in the harsh consequence of the unemployment in the country. Together all, made great number of the PWDs need humanitarian aid and support, a universal rights in the international humanitarian law, CRPD and Somalia federal government constitution article 10 clearly protection the PWDs from any discrimination against their rights. BOX 2. NRC Our stance on Humanitarian Principles As a humanitarian agency, NRC works objectively, independently and without bias. We are bound to the principles of humanitarian action. Since the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement first promoted them in the 19th century, these principles have shaped the nature of modern aid. Today, their core is reflected in international humanitarian law. Not just a doctrine, the principles serve as practical tools to guide and enable our everyday work. The core of our mission never wavers: to protect the rights of displaced people during crisis. So we put these principles to practice. Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
9
Dry Food Aid for local PWDs from the charity people
2.0 Report Background 2.1 Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview Somalia’s prolonged humanitarian crisis is characterized by on-going conflicts, climaterelated shocks, communicable disease outbreaks and weak social protection mechanisms. Since the beginning of 2020, three additional shocks have contributed to a deterioration of humanitarian conditions: Extensive floods, Desert Locust infestations, and the COVID-19 pandemic. These compounding shocks have exacerbated humanitarian needs among a population already living under the strain of widespread poverty and decades of armed conflict and insecurity. Climate change continues to be a major contributing factor to displacement and food insecurity in Somalia. Increasingly erratic weather patterns and climatic shocks have led to prolonged and severe drought conditions and floods, with devastating humanitarian consequences. Flooding displaced 919,000 people in 2020 and destroyed essential infrastructure, property and 144,000 hectares of agricultural land. In tandem, Somalia also experienced the worst Desert Locust invasion in 25 years; tens of thousands of hectares of cropland and pasture were damaged, with potentially severe consequences for agriculture and pastoral based livelihoods. Communities living in conflict areas were severely impacted by armed violence. The on-going conflict continues to reduce the resilience of communities, trigger displacement and impede civilians’ access to basic services and humanitarians’ access to those in need. Exclusion and discrimination of socially marginalized groups are contributing to high levels of acute humanitarian need and lack of protection among some of the most vulnerable. Civilians bore the brunt of the conflict through death and Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
10
injury, property destruction, taxation of communities (including through forced child recruitment), land grabbing, destruction of livelihoods, limited freedom of movement, and limited access to services and humanitarian assistance. COVID-19 directly impacted the lives of Somalis, worsening patterns of vulnerability. This came on top of on-going disease outbreaks such as cholera, measles and, recently, vaccine-derived poliovirus. Healthcare providers have faced increased burdens and costs, forced to alter the way care is provided. Restrictions also disrupted the face -toface delivery of humanitarian assistance, impacting assessments, targeting and the quality of the response. However, partners successfully scaled up mobile money transfers and transitioned to assessments via mobile phones. In 2021, the situation is not expected to improve. Based on the risk analysis, it is highly likely that climate shocks will continue to affect the most vulnerable people in Somalia in 2021. Drought conditions are expected in early 2021 as La Niña led to decreased rainfall in the 2020 Deyr rainy season (October-December), affecting crop production. Given the fragility of food security in the country, this will likely have a devastating impact well beyond the beginning of the year. Further, despite on-going control measures, there is a high likelihood that conditions will remain favourable for locusts to continue breeding and developing, increasing food insecurity and the effects on livelihoods. Recent climate events show that even during drought conditions, heavy and localized rains are likely to cause damage and displacement. Despite a forecast of below-average rainfall1, flooding is expected to occur again during the 2021 Gu rainy season (April-June). However, it may not be as severe as in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic, along with other communicable diseases and an ongoing outbreak of cholera, will continue to affect the most vulnerable Somalis and strain the already weak health system. According to a World Health Organization (WHO) global estimate, 20 per cent of Somalia’s population will suffer from the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic in 2021. Finally, armed conflict and insecurity are expected to continue to drive needs and cause displacement while simultaneously impeding effective humanitarian operations and access to vulnerable or marginalized communities. 2.2 Scope of Analysis In 2021, Somalia is expected to continue facing significant humanitarian challenges. An estimated 5.9 million people are expected to be in need of humanitarian assistance. According to the Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Unit (FSNAU), over 2.7 million people across Somalia are expected to face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity by mid-2021. However, humanitarian partners estimate that this number will likely continue to grow in the latter half of the year. The number of people in need has consistently increased over the last three years, from 4.2 million in 2019 to 5.2 million in 2020 and 5.9 million in 2021. This is further reflected in the number of displaced people in 2020; Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
11
Somalia recorded the highest number over the past three years at 1.2 million displaced people, compared to 884,000 in 2018 and 770,000 in 2019. In total, more than 2.6 million people are internally displaced all of whom continue to face serious risks of marginalization, forced eviction and exclusion. While IDPs are disproportionately affected by the crisis, the majority of those in need in Somalia are not displaced, including 4.8 million vulnerable non-IDPs. This is largely due to the impact of decades of recurrent climate shocks, armed conflict, and political and socio-economic factors that continue to drive needs in the country, with nearly seven out of 10 Somalis living in poverty. Due to the security situation in Yemen and Ethiopia, it is expected that Somalia will continue to receive refugees and asylum seekers. Over 28,000 refugees and asylum seekers are projected to require assistance and support in 2021. Other factors, such as gender, age and disability, add to the level of vulnerability, risks and barriers faced. As such, they need to be considered in the humanitarian response. 2.3 Humanitarian Conditions, Severity, and People in Need Households across all of Somalia remain in deep need, with many struggling to achieve the essential services and resources necessary to meet the basic requirements of life. Many displaced and non-displaced Somali households face complex, co-occurring, overlapping humanitarian needs that are mutually compounding and need to be addressed in tandem. The Joint Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment (JMCNA) 2020 found that roughly over half of all households reported at least two overlapping severe, critical or catastrophic sectorial needs, underscoring the need for inter-sectorial, integrated responses. Huge food and nutrition gaps remain, particularly among poor agro pastoral, marginalized and urban communities, where many vulnerable persons can be classified as, or are in danger of being pushed into, the most severe phases of food and nutrition insecurity. For HNO planning, the Food Security Cluster is using an average projection of 3.5 million Somalis facing Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) food security conditions through 2021. It is of particular concern that children constitute over 60 per cent of those in need in Somalia, and malnutrition rates among children remain among the worst in the world. Close to 1 million children in Somalia are estimated to be acutely malnourished, including 162,000 under 5 suffering from life-threatening severe malnutrition. Significant gaps exist in Somalia’s health sector, exacerbated by COVID-19, which poses serious concern considering the high level of vulnerability across the country. Access to healthcare remains very limited, particularly in rural areas, resulting in some of the worst health outcomes in the world. Last year, Somalia experienced outbreaks of measles, Acute Watery Diarrhoea (AWD) and cholera, and vaccine-derived polio. In addition, Female
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
12
Genital Mutilation (FGM) is widespread across the country. A rise was reported during COVID-19, with 31 per cent of community members surveyed stating there had been an increase in FGM incidents. IDPs remain the most vulnerable population group in Somalia. The protracted nature of displacement caused by floods, conflict and drought continues to affect the physical and mental wellbeing of 1.6 million IDPs who require humanitarian assistance. Many IDP households have faced a steady depletion of assets and increase in negative coping mechanisms, culminating in severe conditions with regards to their food insecurity, malnutrition, disease outbreaks, water and hygiene conditions, and critical protection concerns. Of particular concern are displaced households in IDP sites who are facing extreme needs at greater rates than other population groups. The Nutrition Cluster estimates that the highest rates of acute malnutrition continue to be found in IDP sites, while 95% of all IDPs in need of humanitarian assistance are hosted in urban areas in informal sites. Poor urban households are of particular concern in both IDP and non-IDP population groups. The urban poor have limited livelihood opportunities and mostly rely on income from casual labour, which they need to compete for with other IDPs, nondisplaced urban poor and an increasing number of rural migrants. There is a severe lack of access to the labour market in urban settings, particularly for the most vulnerable and uneducated. As the urban poor spend a major portion of their income on food, they are also adversely affected by increases in food prices. Both food prices and work opportunities were impacted by COVID-19 in 2020, further aggravating conditions. Across all population groups, the most vulnerable include households with a significant proportion of persons with disabilities or medical conditions, children, older persons, and pregnant and lactating women. As families lose their socio-economic safety net and the capacity to cope with shocks, these vulnerabilities are further increased if those members are the sole household head. Against a backdrop of increasing needs, Somalia remains one of the most insecure countries in the world to operate in, particularly for aid workers, impacting on humanitarian’s ability to reach those in need. Humanitarian partners face multiple obstacles to the delivery of assistance across Somalia, including active hostilities and access challenges. Between 1 January and 31 December 2020, 255 incidents impacting humanitarian operations were recorded in which 15 humanitarian workers were killed, 12 injured, 24 abducted and 14 detained or temporarily arrested. By comparison, 151 incidents were recorded for the whole of 2019. Despite challenges, humanitarian partners continue to reach people in need across Somalia. During 2020, 2.3 million people (87 per cent) out of a targeted 3 million were reached with assistance. Over 1.5 million people were provided with health and Water, Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
13
Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) services, 445,000 persons benefited from education services and 288,000 persons were provided with nutrition support, including 166,000 boys and girls (6-59 months) suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). 2.4 Humanitarian Context and needs There are 1.1 million internally displaced people in Somalia who continue to live in crowded settlements, exposed to protection risks and with limited access to basic services including health, sanitation and hygiene facilities. They make up 68 per cent (648,040), of the people who are in crisis and emergency1and are therefore in need of immediate life-saving assistance. The most vulnerable of the IDPs reside in Mogadishu, an area that hosts the largest estimated protracted IDP population in Somalia with more than half residing in the outskirts, along the Afgooye corridor2. Events such as clan conflicts, military operations in southern and central Somalia, natural disasters and forced evictions have continued to create new displacements along the Afgooye corridor. In 2015, majority of the over 120,000 IDPs forcibly evicted from Mogadishu city joined settlements in Daynille and Kaxda periphery districts where living conditions are deplorable, services are limited or not existing and where human rights violations are commonly reported. Daynille and Kaxda districts have the highest number of settlements – 142 and 120 settlements respectively, or a total of 262 settlements, which amounts to over half of all settlements in Mogadishu. According to the findings of the Internal Displacement profiling exercise in Mogadishu, the concentration of IDPs is slightly higher in Daynille, making up 35 per cent of the IDP households identified in the exercise hence representing 138,412 internally displaced persons followed by Kaxda which hosts 76,739 displaced persons or 20 per cent of the enumerated 68,795 IDP households or 399,292 persons. 2.5 Disability Legal Framework in Somalia International Conventions: The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on 6 August 2019. Somalia has also ratified other treaties such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the UN Convention Against Torture, and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights – ‘all of which protect the rights of persons with disabilities’. In addition, Somalia endorsed the UN Standard Rules for the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. The Provisional Federal Constitution: The Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia (“Constitution”) provides for equal rights before the law for people with disabilities. It does not, however, specifically refer to children with disabilities. Nevertheless, article 29 stipulates that “every child has a right to be protected from mistreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.” Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
14
BOX 3. Article 11 of the Somalia federal constitution states that (1) All Citizens, regardless of sex, religion, social or economic status, political opinion, clan, disability, occupation, birth or dialect shall have equal rights and duties before the laws. (2) Discrimination is deemed to occur if the effect of an action impair or restrictions a person’s rights, even if the actor did not intend this effect (3) Government must not discriminate against the any person on the basis of age, race, colour, tribe, ethnicity, culture, dialect, gender, birth, disability, religion, political opinion, occupation or width. This article legalisation obligation for inclusive for all humanitarian aid
However, the implementation of these rights is more challenging. In 2017, the report of United States Department of Human Rights for Somalia found that authorities do not enforce these provisions. Amnesty International has also found the majority of persons with disabilities does not enjoy their human rights and continue to be excluded from key decision-making processes. 2.6 Disability Policy Framework in Somalia The current National Development Plan (NDP9) acknowledges the extreme vulnerability and social exclusion of persons with disabilities and accordingly reflects their needs across the different sectors. In 2017, the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development unveiled its roadmap Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and Disability Rights in Governance and Development Processes, 2017 – 2019. Following a review and consultations with OPDs, a subsequent Roadmap was developed for 2020-2022.In addition, within the framework of the Mine Ban Treaty, the Ministry collaborated with the Ministry of Internal Affairs on a joint Victim Assistance Plan to support mine survivors and other persons with disabilities. BOX 4. UNICEF Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) The Core Commitments for Children (CCCs) in Humanitarian Action are a global framework for humanitarian action for children undertaken by UNICEF and its partners. This framework is guided by international human rights law, in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child1 and, in the case of complex emergencies, also by international humanitarian law. On an operational level, the CCCs are based on global standards and norms for humanitarian action
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
15
CRPD Advocacy ToT Training Supported UNSOM HRPG 2019
3.0 Assessment Goal and Purpose The assessment aimed at identifying the disparities and gaps “of agencies and DPOs that provide services to people with disabilities to better serve their members. The report presents our findings from the study conducted as part of the formative evaluation and routine monitoring with input garnered predominantly from other DPOs and service providers in the country. The study report will be an asset and resourceful source of information for funding partners, donors, decision makers and stakeholders of the Somalia humanitarian aid and development agencies in coordination, implementation, mainstreaming and aligning their work in the country. 3.1 The Survey Specific objectives:The specific objectives of the study were:(i) To recommend inclusive actions to be prioritized by humanitarian actors. (ii) To ensure that DPOs and PWDs have increased, equal and sustained access to humanitarian assistance and support from national and INGO partners. (iii) To assess other humanitarian needs for DPOs and PWDs in Somalia (iv) To share the outcome of the assessment with relevant authorities and Humanitarian Cluster Partners for better humanitarian decision making for response to fill the existing humanitarian disparity gaps.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
16
These objectives were defined by SDC in the context of projects funded by the National, INGOs and Humanitarian Assistance Partners in Somalia. The survey aimed to empower non-state actors to un-discriminatively support DPOs and PWDs across all the regions in Somalia 3.2 Location and Scope of the Study The Study focuses on Disabled People Organizations, Internally Displaced People and People with disabilities in South and Central regions of Somalia in respect to the Disparity in Humanitarian Aid for the last five (5) years between 2016 – 2021. Although the study was conducted in the two mentioned regions, the methodology used made it possible for the results to be generalized to all other regions of Somalia, thus informing humanitarian disparity response programming on DPOs and people with disabilities. 3.3 Study Methodology This descriptive report presenting the situation of DPOs and Persons with Disabilities in various locations in Somalia including IDPs is meant to raise the plight of the disability people and members of their families in the country. The report was collected through direct communication call and indirect communication through referral information from different sources the DPOs, members of the PWDs activists, service delivery agents and non-disabled sector working organizations based in the country both at local and international level through email communication and reports’ reviews. 3.4 Survey Design The study employed cross-sectional study design. With the purpose of reaping the benefits of exploring range of information and generating data that can be complemented and/or triangulated quantitative data collection method which incorporated qualitative sections in the tool employed. A total of 26 IDP camps in different parts of South and Central regions of Somalia and 21 Displaced People Organizations (DPOs) respondents participated in the study. These participants were randomly selected. 3.5 Selection of Respondents A probability sample selection method was used, in which the sample was obtained by selecting every element of the population. 3.6 Ethical Consideration The data collection team deployed to the field introduced themselves, explain the purpose of the assessment study and obtain the willingness of respondents. In every engagement / meeting with participants, respect was given to local cultures and norms, meeting places was selected as per participants consent, and every participant was kindly requested to provide their genuine opinions / ideas. Finally, when respondents finished their points, the data collection teams extended their gratitude to respondents for their time and effort in providing data for the assessment survey.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
17
Local Charity initiatives support Iftar ( Breakfast) of the PWDs in the IDP camps in Mogadishu
4.0 Report Situational Analysis and Findings During our routine fact finding mission in consultations with the DPOs, IDP camps and community members carried out between in the months of July – August, 2021, we noted a number of Humanitarian Disparities among DPOs and PWDs as explained in our report. Comprehensive information on the number and situations of DPOs and people with disabilities in Somalia is lacking. However most estimates suggest that it is likely to be higher than the global estimate of 15% as a result of the long period of conflict, poverty, and lack of access to health care. Lack of data on disability in Somalia has contributed to limited awareness of disability issues among policy makers, planners, community leaders, services providers and the general public. There is no specific national legal or policy framework regarding persons with disabilities. The provisional federal constitution provides equal rights before the law for persons with disabilities and prohibits the state from discriminating against them, although authorities have not enforced these provisions. People with disabilities experience stigma in Somali society and disability is considered a very shameful and sensitive topic. Disability is Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
18
generally associated with physical impairments rather than other types of disabilities, and intellectual disabilities are especially taboo. There is no specific healthcare or financial support system for disabled people in Somalia, increasing their dependence on others and making independent life difficult. There are significant barriers to the political participation of people with disabilities. People with psychosocial disabilities, or mental health conditions, often face arbitrary detention, chaining, verbal and physical abuse, involuntary medication, overcrowding and poor conditions in institutions; or chaining at home, due to lack of appropriate government supported community based services. Children and adults with all types of disabilities have often not been included in programmes aimed at supporting people in Somalia, including humanitarian assistance. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) with disabilities have been victim to multiple forced evictions which makes it harder for them to maintain their livelihoods, amongst other things. Some IDPs with disabilities have banded together for security and mutual assistance. There is an active disability movement in Somalia which has advocated for the rights of persons with disabilities. Other local NGOs provide services for people with disabilities such as disability centres, schools for children with hearing and visual impairments, and assistive devices. However, they have received negligible support from local and national authorities, as well as the international community. 4.1 The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and its Optional protocol were adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 December 2006. The convention aims to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy human rights on an equal basis with others. CRPD was ratified by Somalia in the year 2019, however, Article 17 which states that: Every person with disabilities has a right to respect for his or her physical and mental integrity on an equal basis with others has remained an illusion. Despite this attention, widespread discrimination and human rights abuses continue at an alarming rate. At least 90% of PWDs in the developing world are denied the right to education, PWDs are disproportionately likely to live in poverty and in some countries where under-five mortality as a whole has decreased to below 20%, and mortality among young children with disabilities is as high as 80%. In addition, a study conducted in the USA found that out of 3,000 children who had been maltreated, children with speech and language difficulties were at five times greater risk of neglect and physical abuse than other children and at three times greater risk of sexual abuse. Discrimination on the basis of disability concerning education, food, security, the right to play and the right to participation as well as sexual, emotional and physical violence against PWDs remains largely undisclosed and unseen in Somalia. Looking through the results of this study, we can see that this is a large, pervasive issue in Somalia.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
19
In more humanitarian and emergency contexts within Somalia, abuses against PWDs could be exacerbated and compounded. Whether through conflict or natural disaster, abandonment and increased risk of death are very real possibilities for all PWDs. Every organization working with PWDs in Somalia has a responsibility to ensure their facilities and services cater for persons with mental, intellectual, sensory and physical disabilities. The discrimination and violence which people with disabilities face are too great to be ignored, as is the potential percentage of the population facing these abuses. Therefore, programs need to follow the principle of universal design, ensuring accessibility to all PWDs, rather than viewing working with persons with disabilities as a wholly specialized skill-set. By viewing persons with disabilities as needing only specialized support, actors are excluding PWDs further and ignoring/exacerbating their protection concerns. Besides extreme exclusions, PWDs are often denied protection and accessibility to their rights on par with other people in less visible ways. Programs and policies focusing on PWDs rarely include PWDs either implicitly or explicitly. However, PWDs will be found in any such groupings. Although there are various international standards that recognize the rights of PWDs, they remain a group that seems largely forgotten or overlooked, and therefore excluded, from general developmental and humanitarian work. In Somalia more needs to be done. SDC hope that through this report, we can inspire more action from donors, INGOs, NGOs and the Government to ensure that DPOs and PWDs no longer remain invisible but rather their protection and equal recognition become a core component of working on any program or policy addressing PWDs, with a particular focus on their protection. 4.2 National Disability Census in Somali There is no reliable data on the number of people with disabilities in Somalia, so estimates must be drawn from global prevalence and the context of Somalia, as a country affected by on-going conflict that holds a low human development rating. WHO estimates that 15 per cent of the global population has a disability and that 80 per cent of those people live in developing countries. It is likely that Somalia’s rate is closer to 20 per cent due to conflict-related disability and environmental factors, and that most families will have at least one member with a disability. 4.3 External Actors’ Roles and Commitment As applied in this context, the external actors includes the international DPOs and organizations who have been in the forefront advocating and lobbying for the inclusion and advancements of PWDs rights and issues in local and international laws and conventions. These actors have made commendable efforts and commitments towards Somalia humanitarian and development agendas in various forums on matters on humanitarian aid,
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
20
WASH, Cash voucher, emergency education, health care, rehabilitation, mobility support, livelihood support, technical vocational support, employment, protection and gender based violence, etc. In the recent past, the external actors have successfully organized some of the following forums aimed at lobbying, advocating and sensitizing the local communities, governments, national and international humanitarian partners on the need for an inclusive and consultative approach to humanitarian aid and support to DPOs, PWDs and other vulnerable groups such as IPDs, refugees, etc across Somalia. 4.4 World Humanitarian aid submit 2016 Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
We, the signatories of this Charter1 , reaffirm our determination to make humanitarian action inclusive of persons with disabilities and to take all steps to meet their essential needs and promote the protection, safety and respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and the occurrence of natural disasters. We are witnessing the highest level of human suffering since the Second World War. This is why the former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon convened the firstever World Humanitarian Summit to generate commitments to reduce suffering and deliver better for people caught in humanitarian crises, and to demonstrate support for a new Agenda for Humanity. The Summit took place in Istanbul on 23-24 May 2016. It brought together 9,000 participants representing 180 Member States, including 55 Heads of State and Government, hundreds of civil society and non-governmental organizations, and partners including the private sector and academia. Together, they generated more than 3,500 commitments to action and launched more than a dozen new partnerships and initiatives to turn the Agenda for Humanity into meaningful change for the world's most vulnerable people. The Platform for Action, Commitments and Transformation was created to host these commitments and as a hub to track progress and change beyond the WHS. 4.5
The Global Disability Summit 2018
The Global Disability Summit 2018 (GDS18) was an expression of that momentum, energizing new leadership and concrete actions on disability inclusion as well as enabling people with disabilities to voice their rights. During the summit, decision makers from around the world made ambitious commitments to bring about real and lasting change for people with disabilities and put them at the centre of their work. ‘ This included game-changing commitments from across the UN system, International Financial Institutions, the private sector and from governments all around the world. Many were new actors who had not prioritized the rights of people with disabilities ever before. The Summit resulted in 320 organizations and governments signing up to the Charter for Change aimed at driving implementation of the UNCRPD. Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
21
4.6 Doha International Conference on Disability and Development (DICDD) 2019 Qatar Foundation for Social Work (QFSW) launched the “Doha Declaration” at the closing ceremony of the Doha International Conference on Disability and Development (DICDD). The two-day conference, which attracted more than 1,500 policymakers and practitioners, took place at the Qatar National Convention Center under the theme: "Leaving No One Behind". The Doha Declaration on disability and development sets out an action-oriented approach that Qatar hopes will be an international reference point for world governments to integrate the rights of persons with disabilities into their national development plans. The aim was to ensure the needs of persons with disabilities are included in policies related to education, health, employment, and other relevant areas. 4.7 London Somalia Conference 2017 On 11 May 2017, the UK hosted a major international conference in London, to accelerate progress on security sector reform, build on the international response to the ongoing drought and humanitarian crisis, and agree on the new international partnership needed to keep Somalia on course for increased peace and prosperity by 2020. The conference agenda included and deliberated on the following issues:4.7.1 Improved security Improving security is vital to preventing the return of open conflict across Somalia, and for enabling its broader political and economic development. The Conference focused on the Somali security architecture that the federal government must agree with the federal member states including what the future of the Somali National Army should look like, and how to counter terrorism while protecting human rights. 4.7.2 Political reform and governance The Conference delivered on increased commitment from the international community on political reform and governance, to help build a more inclusive, federal and democratic state setting a clear path towards one-person, one-vote elections in 2020. It also brought federal and regional leaders together to agree on the necessary constitutional reforms to work together more effectively, address revenue mobilisation and resource sharing, and to create the right environment for growth. 4.7.3 Economic development Supporting Somalia’s economic recovery is a shared priority: a stronger economy that offers Somalis livelihoods, jobs and generates domestic revenue is essential to Somalia’s sustainable development and stability. The Conference secured commitments from the government, Somali private sector and international donors to work together to deliver a focussed set of economic recovery priorities in the coming years.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
22
4.7.4 Humanitarian response At a time when half the Somali population were without reliable access to food, the Conference was also an opportunity to step up the international response to the ongoing drought and humanitarian need. Continued international support was and still needed to prevent widespread famine, without which the political and security progress Somalia has made since 2012 could be set back. 4.7.5 New Partnership for Somalia The Conference also agreed on a New Partnership for Somalia between the international community and Somalia that sets out the terms of international support for Somalia’s transition to a more peaceful and prosperous country by 2020, including on issues such as elections, constitutional arrangements, economic development and commitments to tackling corruption. This partnership was based on the principle of mutual accountability. In addition to proceedings, there were a number of side events. These covered themes such as the contribution of the Diaspora and civil society to Somalia, progress in accelerating Somalia’s economic recovery, and supporting refugees and their host communities in the region. 4.7.6 The 17 Goals Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030) During the 2012 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20, Member States agreed to launch a process to develop a set of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to succeed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), whose achievement period concludes in 2015. The SDGs are to address all three dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, economic and social) and be coherent with and integrated into the United Nations global development agenda beyond 2015. The envisaged SDGs have a time horizon of 2015 to 2030. Disability is referenced in various parts of the SDGs and specifically in parts related to education, growth and employment, inequality, accessibility of human settlements, as well as data collection and monitoring of the SDGs, for instance:a)
Goal 4 on inclusive and equitable quality education and promotion of life-long learning opportunities for all focuses on eliminating gender disparities in education and ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities. In addition, the proposal calls for building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and also provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
b)
In Goal 8: to promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all, the international community aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
23
c)
Closely linked is Goal 10, which strives to reduce inequality within and among countries by empowering and promoting the social, economic and political inclusion of all, including persons with disabilities.
d)
Goal 11 would work to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe and sustainable. To realize this goal, Member States are called upon to provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, such as persons with disabilities. In addition, the proposal calls for providing universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for persons with disabilities.
e)
Goal 17 stresses that in order to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development, the collection of data and monitoring and accountability of the SDGs are crucial. Member States are called upon to enhance capacity-building support to developing countries, including least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS), which would significantly increase the availability of high-quality, timely and reliable data that is also disaggregated by disability.
BOX 5. OCHA one Message Humanitarian Principles. All OCHA activities are guided by the four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These principles provide the foundations for humanitarian action. They are central to establishing and maintaining access to affected people, whether in a natural disaster or a complex emergency, such as armed conflict. Promoting and ensuring compliance with the principles are essential element s of effective humanitarian coordination. 1. Humanitarian principles govern humanitarian actors’ conduct. 2. Humanitarian actors must engage in dialogue with all parties to conflict for strictly humanitarian purposes. This includes on-going liaison and negotiation with non-state armed groups. 3. Our compliance with humanitarian principles affects our credibility, and therefore our ability to enter into negotiations with relevant actors and establish safe access to affected people. However, it is not enough to repeatedly recite humanitarian principles. Rhetoric must be matched by leadership and practice. In other words, humanitarian actors must “walk the talk 4. There are multiple pressures on humanitarian actors to compromise humanitarian principles, such as providing humanitarian aid as part of efforts to achieve political ends. Maintaining principled humanitarian action in the face of these pressures is an essential task, but not an easy one
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
24
5. 0
Sample Demographics
IDPs Participants In total, a population of 5,006 people from the IDP camps participated in the study. Salient characteristics of the sample are as discussed below. 5.1 Gender breakdown The majority of respondents (62.9% or 3150 people) are male. While 37.1% or 1856 people are female. The predominance in the sample may explain some additional demographic characteristics, including the fact that most women (female) are normally out of their households during the day looking for menial jobs to feed their families. Gender breakdown Male
Percentage (%) 62.9
Female
37.1
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
25
Percentage (%) Male
Female
37%
63%
5.2 DPOs Participants A total of 5200 people from the 21 DPOs participated in the study. These respondent based different locations in different region with same characteristic and conditions as PWDs and DPOs suffering discrimination, humiliation, abuses and deliberate violation of their rights and role in the social and political in Somalia. 5.3 Gender breakdown The majority of respondents (55.7% or 2900 people) are male. While 44.3% or 2300 people are female. Gender breakdown Male Female
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
Percentage (%) 55.7 44.3
26
Percentage (%) Male
Female
44% 56%
5.4
Characteristics of respondents
The respondents of the survey were the non-state actors and community based organizations for the PWDs. And the IDP camps of the disability people and members of their families who share same plight and problems. The respondent made informative input which can be resourceful for the donors and government to take action on the ground for the situation of the PWDs. 5.5 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) IDP Camps A total of 26 IDP camps from different parts of the south and central Somalia regions, were visited during the study and responded on various sectors and areas of humanitarian assistance to Somalia DPOs, IDPs, government, etc and the findings were as tabulated below:Sector / Area of Support Positive Negative Response / Response / Yes No Humanitarian Aid Support Accessibility 3 23 NFI Support Accessibility 1 25 WASH & related support accessibility 0 26 Cash Voucher Support Accessibility 0 26 Education Support Accessibility 1 25 FBV & FGM Support Accessibility 0 26 Security Light & Protection wall and gate building support 0 26 Protection, Advocacy and Awareness w/shops support 0 26 accessibility Livelihood & Income Generation Support Accessibility 0 26
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
27
30 25 20 15 10 5 0
5.6
Positive Response / Yes Negative Response / No
Disabled People Organizations (DPOs)
A total of 21 Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) from the regions of South and Central composed of local and international organizations participated in the study and responded as tabulated below:-
DPOs’ Status
Registered organizations Good management capacity Sound financial management capacity Good donor communication capacity Good proposal writing skills DPOs with International registrations DPOs with Audited Financial Statements/ Reports
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
# of DPOs with Positive Response / Yes 14 12 9 15 9 3 5
# of DPOs Negative Response / No 7 9 12 6 12 18 16
28
20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0
# of DPOs with Positive Response / Yes # of DPOs Negative Response / No
5.7 Humanitarian Aid Assistance Humanitarian assistance provided to DPOs appears, in the best-case scenario, to be very limited and insufficient if not none at all. Participants DPOs mentioned that very minimal if any assistance was provided. Among the participated DPOs in the two regions of South and Central, no assistance has been provided to DPOs according to participants. This was confirmed to be so because of these reasons among others:▪ ▪ ▪ ▪
Corruption Injustice Tribalism or clannism Discrimination
Participants complained that decisions on humanitarian assistance are made by the national government and INGOs, without hardly any interaction and involvement of Disability People Organization’s representatives. Participated DPOs shared their feeling that the exclusion is because of their status. 5.8
Economic exclusion
The study revealed that economic dominance is one of the most serious socio-economic problems facing the DPOs, IDPs, PWDs and other marginalized and vulnerable groups. Since independence, the major clans at the expense of minority groups have dominated social and political affairs of Somalia. This trend has continued more than twenty years after the collapse of the Somali state. Remittances have also been, for the last decade, an important economic source for the Somalis. However, remittances have had little impact on the livelihoods of this group. Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
29
5.9 Access to shelter and housing Poor shelter and housing is another major concern of the group noted in these two regions and the whole Somalia. It is caused mainly by:▪ Poverty – as they cannot afford to purchase building materials and instead use scavenged metals, sticks and plastics. ▪ Land issues – they lack access to land on which they can settle and construct shelters. Instead, they congregate in congested places and in abandoned public buildings. ▪ Sale of shelter materials – they sometimes sell shelter materials provided by aid agencies as a result of extreme poverty
5.9.1 Access to Sanitation and Safe Drinking Water Sanitary conditions in most visited areas, particularly the IDP camps are very poor. There are very few latrines, most of which need rehabilitation. Regarding access to safe, drinking water, poverty plays a significant role. Access to clean drinking water is a big problem. 5.9.2 Access to Health Care DPO members, PWDs and other vulnerable groups experience numerous difficulties when it comes to accessing health care services. These are some of the main impediments faced by the group:▪ Conflict and insecurity makes it difficult for aid agencies to access vulnerable communities. ▪ Lack of adequate information regarding the health status of minority groups. ▪ Lack of adequate transport infrastructure including land routes and water routes. ▪ Insufficient numbers of health centres including MCHs and TB clinics in minority areas. ▪ Minorities in urban areas observe that their concerns are not given much consideration when establishing health centres. 5.9.3 Access to Basic Education In spite of the gradual reestablishment of the educational system and programmes in Somalia, the IDPs and other marginalized and minority children have very limited opportunities for basic education. Most minorities children do not go to school but instead work in order contribute to the family income and ration. This is yet another indication of how poverty affects access to basic needs. Every year hundred million dollars is spent in Somalia for education development by the international donors, local and international NGOs and federal state and federal government ministries. These huge amounts are invested in the country’s education infrastructures, construction of new schools in the urban and non-urban and the rehabilitation of the schools destroyed in the decades of the war in the country.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
30
Education infrastructure equipment takes the second largest amount of money where hundreds schools are equipped every year in the country for the public schools under the control of the government, federal states and local authorities in the region in Somalia. Majority of these schools are located in the urban areas with relevant stability and security accessible education for ten thousand. These schools are equipped with school furniture, learning materials, books pens and technology innovation for learning. Education curriculum development and research takes the smallest percentage amount of money allocated for education development in Somalia. Teachers’ training allocation was very minimal and low in the country for the last decades where majority school teachers are not qualified. Most schools share common problems of lack of professional skills as untrained teachers are serving in the profession. The study revealed that most secondary students in Somalia can hardly read and write English language while some have no idea or knowledge about the civic education in the country. Major education fund goes to emergency education support for the displaced people in the country. 2.5 million IDPs in more than 1000 locations in various regions in the country with hundreds of thousands children majority being of school going age. In every 4 year new project for hundreds millions is announced where huge amount of investment is allocated, however, these planned projects never gets finished. In some cases the funds remain in the account without being expensed. Such projects include “One million Go To school project and many other project”. 5.9.4 Technical vocational skills training The European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Somalia launched a €5.17 million project to support the Federal and Federal Member States Ministries of Education to deliver equitable and inclusive quality education for the population. In Somalia, the EU supports education reforms through its bilateral cooperation portfolio where education and training has been identified as a priority sector. With a portfolio of € 60 million, the European Union is substantially involved in the positive education trends that have emerged in Somalia over the recent years. 5.9.5 Livelihood The major humanitarian aid respond is livelihood for the people affected the disasters and poverty. Emergency food aid distribution is made every year in the country with tens of thousands beneficiaries. The PWDs are left behind at the planning time for the distribution. Sometimes the gate keepers in the distribution refuse the PWDs access to receive aid thus denying them their rights. Mainly the local authorities staff and security bush back the PWDs from the gate saying (we have no role of the PWDs) besides, cash voucher for the IDPs and vulnerable people. The PWDs are excluded from the beneficiaries’ lists. The coordinating teams have tile of activity which makes separate from
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
31
the PWDs. Every year tens of thousands people receive new cash voucher. So far there is no single project or program serving PWDs for cash voucher. 5.9.6 Community Based Rehabilitation Services (CBRS) CBRS for the disability people is very essential for the millions PWDs in the Somalia community both in the urban and non-urban areas. Access to mobility support for the people with permanent disability is very difficult in the areas covered by the survey. Lack of distribution of artificial limbs, wheelchairs, crutches, white cane and hearing aids, assistive tools and technology is impossible in these areas. Majority of the PWDs can’t avoid paying the expensive costs of the commercial services. Lack of orthopaedic and physiotherapy is key problems for the preventable disability mainly the VA victim assistance the people who suffer wounds from the bullets, accidents, explosives and landmine in the urban area and non-urban areas. 5.9.7 Counselling Services Counselling services for the community is at risk as a result of lack of resources for disability people. Both the victims and non-victims need counselling offered at both public and private entities. IEDP centre provide volunteer services for the disability prevention advises for the families. In particular occasions the festivals where children are at risk for use of gun toys that causes tens of persons wounded in the eyes with plastic round bullets exchange the children in the IEDUL- FITRA and IEDUL_ADHA being the two most respected festivals in the Islamic calendar. 5.9.8 Lack of health cover and emergency support services Lack of health cover and emergency support services for the PWDs is at risk for the people who sustain wounds in the suicide attack bombs in the public places in the country. Majority of the suicide attach and landmine cause victims who need emergency aid. There is single unit for the victim assistance support facility in the area. Notably some victims without families in the areas of the accident die from preventable cases for lack of coordinated services. 5.9.9 Child friendly spaces and facilities These are very important for the recreational of the children with disabilities and members of families of children without disabilities. The facilities should not be particular for the CWDs children with disabilities. In public child friendly spaces and public gardens there exists environmental barriers that prevents the CWDs from enjoying the facility and get recreational support as well as the moral healing and support for the CWDs. These are sources of motivation that may inspire the CWDs accessibility for all. And the realization CWDs free from barriers.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
32
5.10.0 Covid-19 Pandemic The COVID -19 waves has made huge impact in Somalia. The covid-19 wave one (1) hit the country in 2020 engulfing the lives of hundreds people including the PWDs. Mr. Omar Gabow died in Martini Hospital for lack of fresh air and gas that could have saved his life. A shocking case that left horror and fear among the members of PWDs. As a result, DPOs members made mask production facility that produced 4,000 masks in one month with the support from IRISE through DALBILLE project supported by UNFP. Currently covid-19 wave two exists causing deaths of more people every day. The wave has left PWDs and CWD traumatized and dejected as their livelihoods have also been destroyed. BOX 6. The Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in EU-funded Humanitarian Aid Operations In order to ensure that these commitments are turned into reality, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, announced in December 2017 that, as of 2018, all EU-funded humanitarian partners would be required to take the needs of persons with disabilities into account in their projects. This guidance developed by the European Commission's humanitarian affairs department (Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations – DG ECHO) is conceived as a tool to reach this goal. The main objectives of this guidance are more specifically: • •
•
To foster disability inclusion, i.e. the effective access and participation of persons with disabilities13 in humanitarian aid To ensure mainstreaming of disability, i.e. the process of incorporating protection principles and promoting meaningful access, safety and dignity of persons with disabilities in all EU-funded humanitarian operations.14 To provide DG ECHO partners and DG ECHO staff with the operational tools to ensure the above in the design, implementation and monitoring of EU-funded humanitarian projects.
BOX 7. International humanitarian law (IHL) In armed conflict, IHL provides general protection to civilians and persons hors de combat, including persons with disabilities, ‘without adverse distinction’ (discrimination).12 The prohibition of adverse distinction permits humanitarian actors to prioritize persons with disabilities and may even require them to take specific measures to do so. Humanitarian relief efforts must make sure, for example, that food, water, health care, rehabilitation and shelter are available and accessible to persons with disabilities. Provisions of IHL may also be used to prevent or minimize harm to persons with disabilities during hostilities. Recognizing that persons with disabilities
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
33
Masking up the Vulnerable Program PWDs produced 4,000 renewable local made mask in Mogadishu
6.0 Conclusion Somalia Disabled People Organizations (DPOs) are scattered in the country across the regions and districts. Most of them are based and operationalized in Benedir region the Capital city of Somalia Mogadishu with population of more than 3 million people approximately 20% of the PWDs. Thus making the region most in need of any available humanitarian aid for the DPOs in the region. The situations of the PWDs is challenging with disability, discriminative environment and lack of national strategic plans and census referral data. The PWDs in the IDP camps suffer abject poverty, lack of basic need for the life. The exclusion of humanitarian aid respond in the field is factor the plight of the PWDs in the camps. Violation of the international humanitarian aid principles increased the elegancy. Lack of CRPD skills is another source contributing the discrimination in the humanitarian aid. The current intervention in the country so far reported to the PWDs and DPOs directly is very little compare the huge money invested humanitarian aid in the country. despite, the hundred local and international NGOs enjoying the partnership of the Somalia humanitarian aid investment and grant the DPOs is zero level where the assessment missed single active partnership with DPOs on the ground.. the only direct aid and partnership for the Somalia DPOs came from the Abilis Foundation that supports tens of projects ever year. The only partners that support DPOs is SCI Save the Children International with limited support for DPOs capacity people through TOFI project. That has employed zero from the PWDs During disaster outbreaks such as drought, PWDs and members of their families are normally faced with dilemmas ranging from displacements, droughts, long distance Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
34
challenges, flooding, vulnerability without support and protection, etc. In conflict situations, members of the PWDs suffer life threatening risks where the visual impaired people and the deaf face death in the line of fire between the two armed groups. The rebelling parties at times kill some of these people deliberately under the pretext of suspecting agent or spy from the enemy. In some other cases they suffer shots from fair range of sight. Exclusion the DPOs and PWDs in the Somalia humanitarian aid work is violation of key articles in the CRPD the Article 4 General Obligations, Articles 5 Equality, Article 11 inclusive and Article 31 cooperation’s. Article 24 Education, Article 25 Health, Article 26 habitation and retaliation, Article Work and employment, , Article 28 Adequate standard of living and social protection, , Article 28 Participation in political and public life Article 30 Participation in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sport Article 31 Statistics and data collection Article 32 International cooperation article 33 National implementation and monitoring Discriminative decision making in the civil society lead the PWDs and DPOs invisible in the round table where the actors in these tales lack the role of the PWDs and DPOs who may put in valuable information in the round tables. An informative source of the situation of the PWDs is major failure of the humanitarian aid and development in the country. The international community has clear mandate for the PWDs and DPOs in their countries, where in Somalia some of them neglect these obligation protecting the PWDs and DPOs cooperation in their work and programs. BOX 8. HI Scope of action 1. HI delivers emergency preparedness, and humanitarian programming which is inclusive of persons with disabilities in line with its organizational commitments and policies. This encompasses all sectors, such as emergency health services; water, sanitation and hygiene services; shelter, food security and livelihood; and protection against violence and discrimination. 2. HI collects and shares evidence relating to vulnerability and discrimination encountered by persons with disabilities and explores approaches to building resilience through applied research, and by collecting and analysing accurate data on children, women and men with diverse disabilities. 3. HI analyses organizational structures, humanitarian strategies, data systems, programs and services to identify gaps and entry points to catalyse the change process. 4. HI provides capacity building and technical advice to humanitarian actors and people with disabilities at global, regional and national level to design and deliver humanitarian aid and policies inclusive of children, women and men with diverse disabilities. 5. HI empowers organizations and local structures representing people with disabilities to meaningfully participate in the humanitarian response.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
35
7.0
Recommendations and Way forward
In 2021, while humanitarian agencies continue to do all that is possible to alleviate suffering and save lives, an estimated $1.09 billion will be needed to respond to the needs of people in Somalia. The international humanitarian community will continue to work closely with local authorities, national NGOs and civil society organizations to ensure local resources cover the priority needs of all people identified to be in need of humanitarian assistance.
The main recommendations on how to include partnership the DPOs the Disabled People Organizations and PWDs persons with disabilities in humanitarian and development programmes in Somalia are suggested as below. These recommendations should be applied across various sectors, including but not limited to: water, sanitation and hygiene; food security and livelihoods; shelter and settlements; health care; Education, Livelihood, etc. the way forward recommendation goes to a three key parts of Somalia stakeholders the government, the civil society and the international community, who have collective and individual responsibilities for the protection of the Somalia PWDs and DPOs rights and role in the humanitarian aid, development and human rights protection and political participation in Somalia. 7.1 To the Somali Federal stats and Federal Government: ▪
Strengthened linkages and complementarity between humanitarian and development programmes and activities in the country.
▪
Strengthened individual DPOs’ capacity to manage disasters and their ability to cope with humanitarian aid need wave for the PWDs and members of their families
▪
Strengthened humanitarian protection services by preventing and responding to pervasive protection violations against DPOs, vulnerable groups, including minorities, IDPs, refugees, returnees and women, children and the elderly
▪
Ensure DPOs and PWDs receive protection from the state, in line with obligations under international human rights law, and commitments under the CRPD and PWDs’ policy;
▪
Ensure persons with disabilities are given the opportunity to participate and actively engage with decision-making processes, particularly those that affect them, including in the on-going constitutional review process and in drafting legal and policy frameworks,
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
36
service provision, and government approaches regarding persons with disabilities, in line with international commitments; ▪
Develop national laws that guarantee increased protection for persons with disabilities in line with international standards, and a national policy to ensure these guarantees are put into practice;
▪
Prioritise the provision of appropriate and accessible services for persons with disabilities in line with the Somali government’s commitment to provide equal access to economic, social and cultural rights without discrimination. Use maximum available resources, including through international cooperation, to fulfil the right to adequate housing, prioritising persons with disabilities and others who are vulnerable to discrimination.
▪
Carry out substantive baseline information gathering on the demographics and rights situation of persons with disabilities, including in any on-going or future profiling or census exercises, to inform effective and appropriate legislative and policy responses;
▪
Ensure immediate and concrete steps are taken to prevent all forced evictions including those of persons with disabilities. And the confiscation of the public and private lands for the disability
▪
Ensure there are specific focal points relevant ministries including the Prime Ministers’ Office to ensure disabled people can access their rights; and the nomination of Senior Consultant for the disability in the office of the prime minister, office of the president and legislation
▪
Ensure there is a focal point within the future human rights commission and the antcorruption commission to ensure disabled people can access their rights;
▪
In sure the implementation of the CRPD in the federal state and federal government and the legislation for the protection of the disabled people rights protection and promotion.
▪
Extend an open invitation to UN and African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
37
7.2 To the International Community/ Donors: ▪
Support the Somali Federal Government in developing a national legal and policy framework to ensure promotion and the respect for the equal rights of persons with disabilities;
▪
Facilitate disabled persons’ organisations to actively engage with the Somali Federal Government, and in decision making processes, particularly those that affect them, for example, the development of laws, policies, service provision and government approaches regarding persons with disabilities.
▪
Donors who are parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) have the obligation to mainstream disability in their assistance programs. As such, donors should ensure that programs and services supported take into account the needs of DPOs and PWDs and such funding is monitored and reported.
▪
In addition, donors should be guided by the various recommendations pertaining to disability rights under the Universal Periodic Review, as well as the recommendations of the Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia, which falls under the Human Rights Council’s Technical Cooperation agenda.
▪
Mainstreaming the Somalia donors support the disability with allocation of ration of the special need education, rehabilitant, CRPD implementation, environmental protection the housing the public infrastructures.
▪
Utilization of the Somalia Disability Partnership strategy, work plan and policy protection the role of the PWDs and DPOs in the decision making tables for the donors.
7.3 To the International Community and the United Nations: •
The UN Secretary General’s 2019 UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) requires UN entities to prioritize inclusion of disability within their programming and particularly in their support to Governments.
•
The UNDIS is monitored through an accountability framework. As such, the UN in Somalia needs to examine existing programmes and identify areas in which disability inclusion should be strengthened to ensure that effective support for DPOs and PWDs
•
Insure SDG 2030 the Sustainable Development Goals. Under the United Nation programs. the commitment of Leaving No One Behind, for the humanitarian aid the development.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
38
•
The UN OCHA office coordination Humanitarian aid should utilize inclusive for all humanitarian aid development partnership strategy to insure the inclusion of the PWDs as beneficiaries and the DPOs as partners
•
Insure the Somalia Humanitarian Fund SHF largest partnership platform should be inclusive for with members of the PWDs benefiting directly and indirectly their programs and apply the international Humanitarian aid precepts
•
Insure the UNICEF Somalia protection of the children with disabilities from the neglected care, treatment and prevention of the preventable disabilities. And the free education of the children with disabilities
•
Insure the UNFPA work in Somalia to be inclusive for all on the ground not leaving behind the vulnerable people the disabled people and members of their families and mainstreaming their partnership the disability.
•
Insure the cash voucher program in Somalia to give priority the PWDs and members of their families access the cash voucher distribution in the IDP camps of the disability and the centre of the DPOs.
•
the UNDP Somalia office should insure mainstreaming disability in its overall work in Somalia development and state building programs
•
UNMAS should insure the operationalize of the VA victim assistance in Somalia
BOX 9. Mainstreaming disability inclusion across DFID’s work The Department for International Development should maintain its focus on embedding disability inclusion as a key element of designing and implementing all aid programmes alongside dedicated projects focusing on specific disability issues. Future strategy must be informed by a stronger evidence base and aim towards more ambitious targets. Robust accountability mechanisms, including systems of regular reporting, should be put in place so that delivery can be better assessed. It should align with and complement global strategies to combat poverty and improve disability inclusive development, including the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and the recent UN Disability Inclusion Strategy
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
39
8.0 Assessment Key Partners The production of this report has been made possible through the volunteer work of members of the PWDs, DPOs and Networks. They have dedicated their time and resources to ensuring logistics, fieldwork, analysis, publication and drafting of the report. The joint effort from materialized into this informative report aimed at guiding relevant agencies and institutions on planning and management of PWDs and DPOs issues. 8.1 Institute of Education For Disabled People – (IEDP) IEDP was instrumental in masking-up the vulnerable people from the effects and spread of the covid19. The team from IEDP assisted in the distribution of 4,000 pieces plus locally made masks to PWDs in the IDP camps and host communities in various villages of Mogadishu. This important initiative was supported by the IRISE HUB through DALBILE youth development project in Somalia which is part of the EU and UNFPA funded program. A project that employed disabled youth (male and female). The first production totalling 1,300 pieces was distributed to the Dayah disability development organization based in Dharkenley district and the Koorsan IDP camp based in Wadajir district Mogadishu Banadir region in Somalia. 8.2 Aid the Disability Organization (ADA) ADA is based in Sweden and London. The organization made distribution for wheelchairs in Galkacyo town Galmudug Federal state of Somalia in the year 2016 for the mobility support for 500 persons. The team opened vocational skills training in town supporting members of the disability to learn mobile repair, welding and computer literacy. 8.3 Somalia Disability Rights Advocacy (SODRA) The organization is based in Kismanyo the capital city of Juboland and focuses in the areas of Education, Humanitarian and Advocacy. In the period under review, the organization made emergency food distribution for the disabled people in the regions and districts outside Kismanyo. The organization has also made NFI distribution for the disabled people in IDP camps in the area with the support of the members’ contributions and the diaspora for 1,200 people in the last years of 2018 and 2019. (8.4 Somalia Association Female Disability (SAFDI) The organization is based in Mogadishu. SAFDI conducted COVID-19 prevention measures by advancing video clip work in the country for the PWDs. The organization made FGM prevention and advocacy on the 8th of March, 2020. SAFDi worked with members’ contribution and support from the UNSOM HRPG. The members of the organization and females with disabilities activists participated in the National disability agency board and the federal parliament election candidate. 8.5 Middles Shabelle Disability Network (MSDN) MSDN is based in Jowhar the Capital city of the Hirshabelle state, MSDN managed to organize disaster affected people with cash money distribution for 700 families as a donation for local people and victims of the floods in the 2021. The DPOs in the region supported the PWDs and those affected by locust wave that swept the farms and the environment in the regions. Hundreds of famers from the PWDs made their complaints Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
40
about the damages from the natural disasters and requested the international donors for support and emergency aid. 8.6 Southwest Somalia State Disability Network (SOWSODIN) SOWSODIN is based in Baidoa. The organization has been instrumental in making primary emergency education support to the disabled children in the region of Bay. The members of the network opened Baidao school for the disability which is now operational with limited support from the CARE International. Members of the PWDs in Bay and Bakool made farmer cooperative in the year 2016 with support from Fursad Fund. The project was responsible for water mill and seeds distribution. This made the distribution of vegetables to the markets in Baidao the interim capital city of the South West Sate Somalia. 8.7 Somalia Disability Network The Network is based in Mogadishu with 14 members organization and 21 Members organization serving the PWDs rights protection, health care, education, shelter, development and the political participation. The network and member DPOs made their contribution to the report with direct and indirect contacts the responded in variety areas in Somalia. The network has made several report and capacity injection training for the DPOs and PWDs. BOX 10. UNITED NATIONS DISABILITY INCLUSION STRATEGY The organizations of the United Nations system commit, through the policy, to accelerating efforts to support the achievement of the inclusion of persons with disabilities and their human rights through the practical implementation of the globally agreed commitments contained in the United Nations treaties, conferences and summits and their follow-up, in particular the 2030 Agenda; the Sendai Framework; the Addis Ababa Action Agenda of the Third International Conference on Financing for Development; the United Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III); the multiple resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Council; and the World Humanitarian Summit; as well as other agreements that may be adopted in the future Through the Strategy, the United Nations system will systematically embed the rights of persons with disabilities into its work, both externally, through programming, and internally, and will build trust and confidence among persons with disabilities to ensure that they are valued and their dignity and rights are respected and that, in the workplace, they find an enabling environment in which to fully and effectively participate on an equal basis with others. Mainstreaming a human rights-based approach to disability, in combination with targeted measures, will make the concerns and experiences of persons with disabilities an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and societal spheres so that persons with disabilities benefit equally. The ultimate goal is to achieve equality of outcomes and foster an inclusive culture within the United Nations system.
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
41
9.0 References 1. Visit https://www.unocha.org/ 2. .https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/2020%20Somalia%20Humanitaria n%20Needs%20Overview.pdf 3. https://reliefweb.int/report/somalia/eu-announces-517-million-support-educationsomalia 4. .https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/613714/london-somalia-conference-2017-communique.pdf 5. .https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/london-somalia-conference2017/about#contents 6. .https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/760997/Disability-Inclusion-Strategy.pdf 7. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_ data/file/721701/GDS_Charter_for_Change.pdf 8. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/wpcontent/uploads/sites/15/2019/11/day2-press-release-en.pdf 9. https://mop.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/NDP-9-2020-2024.pdf 10. https://www.un.org/development/desa/disabilities/about-us/sustainable-developmentgoals-sdgs-and-disability.html 11. https://www.unocha.org/sites/dms/Documents/OOMhumanitarianprinciples_eng_June12.pdf 12. https://reliefweb.int/report/world/international-development-committee-mainstreamingdisability-inclusion-across-dfid-s 13. https://www.unocha.org/sites/dms/Documents/OOMhumanitarianprinciples_eng_June12.pdf 14. https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/assets/documentation/UN_Disability _Inclusion_Strategy_english.pdf
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
42
THE CONTACT Physical Address: Danwadagaha Street Wadajir District Mogadishu Somalia Email: sdc.somalia@gmail.com Email: info@naafo.org.so Website: www.naafo.org.so Mobile: +252 615907530 Mobile+ 252 615278993
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
43
END
Disparity Humanitarian aid Report Somalia 2021
44