Somalia: IOM Raises Displacement Concerns

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has reiterated the need for sustainable solutions to addressing Somalia’s mass displacement crisis following the country’s new record of 3.8 million displaced people.

Development Diaries reports that IOM’s Deputy Director for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, made the call for sustainable investments as efforts continue to be made to prevent further displacement.

In a statement, the United Nations agency said most of the newly displaced might never go back to their places of origin because the land can no longer provide, and insecurity will only increase as competition for the already scarce resources grows.

As Somalia braces up for the sixth consecutive below-average rainy season in early 2023, IOM projects approximately 300,000 people could be newly displaced by July 2023.

‘We have a window of opportunity not to be missed. We need to invest in the places of origin to foster resilience and to prevent further displacement from happening’, Daniels said during her recent visit to the country.

‘It is also equally important to address basic services, working on social cohesion and stability, governance and justice system and climate change adaptation bringing communities together with their government and diaspora.

‘These building blocks are essential and lay the foundation towards a pathway for sustainable solution’.

It is understood that in areas impacted by violence and conflict, IOM has promoted women-led justice systems, trained communities to manage natural resources more sustainably, rehabilitated schools and boreholes, and built stronger governance systems.

Photo source: IOM

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

About the Author