Executive Summary

Close to 40 people representing the authorities, UN agencies, as well as local NGOs and IDP representatives participated in the workshop. The workshop was organized by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and Somaliland authorities, with the support and facilitation of the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Main findings

Although there is no detailed information on the current scope of internal displacement in Somaliland, four patterns of displacement can be identified: 1) Somalilanders displaced by conflict, 2) Somalilanders displaced by drought, 3) People originating from central and southern Somalia displaced by the conflict, 4) Returnees who have not yet resettled permanently. Displaced people have generally moved to urban areas, including Hargeisa, Among these four groups, the people displaced from southern and central Somalia are the most vulnerable, mainly because of their lack to the protection provided through clan connections. These displaced communities live in very destitute conditions and face discrimination in their daily life. Their access to jobs, health services, or justice is very limited, as they are often marginalized by local communities. IDPs are particularly affected by the lack of adequate housing conditions. Living in makeshifts shelters installed on private land, IDPs face serious risks of arbitrary evictions and other abuses.

Displaced children in Somaliland lack access to education and often compelled to complement the meager resources of their families by working or begging on streets. There are reports of sexual violence affecting IDP communities. The few displaced children enrolled in schools face discriminatory treatment from other children.

The lack of registration and proper documentation maintains IDPs in a precarious positions vis-.-vis authorities. Following the decree issued in October 2003 providing for the deportation of non-Somalilanders, IDPs continue to fear arbitrary deportation to Somalia and prefer to avoid any contacts with authorities. Since then, the authorities have agreed to consider people displaced from central and southern Somalia as IDPs, but there seems to be insufficient information on this decision among relevant actors and communities concerned.

Main recommendations:

Authorities should give more attention to the problem of internal displacement in Somaliland, and provide a more comprehensive response to address current needs of displaced communities, with the support of international community. Given the lack of knowledge of the situation of IDPs, a comprehensive survey of the IDP population in Somaliland should be conducted as soon as possible.

Authorities and other relevant actors should acknowledge the particular vulnerability of communities displaced from central and southern Somalia. Authorities should take concrete measures to give reality to their commitment to consider these displaced people as IDPs. In particular, the registration of IDPs from central and southern Somalia planned by the authorities should be implemented in a way strengthening their protection.

As a rule, programmes benefiting vulnerable groups in Somaliland should be implemented on a non-discriminatory basis and include IDPs where relevant. However, special efforts should be made to address the special protection and assistance needs of IDPs. In doing so, relevant actors should ensure that both IDPs and vulnerable members of host communities are targeted.

Pending the voluntary return home of IDPs in safety and with dignity, all efforts should be made to enable IDPs to live as full members of their host communities. In particular, the self-reliance capacity of IDPs should be strengthened and opportunities for durable resettlement created.

Humanitarian organisations and authorities should strengthen their coordination and join their efforts in responding to the protection and assistance needs of IDPs. The newly created working group on IDPs should meet regularly and address all relevant issues affecting the protection of IDPs.

Introduction

The collapse of the central government of Somalia in 1991 plunged the country and its seven million inhabitants into a decade of war and displacement. In 1988, the brutal repression led by the regime of Syad Barre against the Isaaq clan in northwestern Somalia had already forced half a million civilians into exodus mainly towards Ethiopia. The peak of displacement occurred at the height of fighting in 1992, when close to two million people were internally displaced, another 800,000 found refuge in neighboring countries, and up to half a million died. Inter-clan clashes in 1994 and 1996 in Somaliland also led to displacement of populations. While many people have since returned to their former homes or reintegrated in more peaceful regions of the country, an estimated 370,000 people remained displaced within Somalia as of April 2004, including up to 6,000 internally displaced people in Somaliland. For over a decade, IDPs in Somalia have been among the most vulnerable in the world, and international protection standards as set forth in the Guiding Principles, have been difficult to implement in the prevailing context of state collapse.

Somaliland, which declared itself independent from the rest of Somalia in 1991, has recognized the special needs of highly vulnerable communities such as many of the displaced, but has not yet developed a comprehensive plan to address their needs. The UN Internal Displacement Unit, which undertook a mission to Somalia in April 2004, recommended that training on the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement be delivered to local authorities in Somaliland, under the sponsorship of OCHA with the support of the Norwegian Refugee Council.1

This training workshop aimed to look comprehensibly at the IDP situation in Somaliland and to discuss measures for a more integrated response to IDPs needs.

Participants

Over 40 participants attended a workshop on the Guiding Principles on internal displacement in Hargeisa, Somaliland, for three days. Participants included representatives of the Ministries of Interior and Justice, officials from the municipality of Hargeisa, staff members of UN and other inter-governmental agencies, local and international non-governmental organisations, as well as representatives of internally displaced communities (see annex 2). The composition of participants reflects the collaborative response to internal displacement, according to which all relevant actors should consolidate their efforts in response to the protection and assistance needs of IDPs, according to their mandate and capacity. It also aims at involving IDPs in the discussion and creating an opportunity of dialogue between the displaced communities and the authorities in Somaliland.

This seminar followed a two-day workshop on the situation of IDPs in Somaliland held by OCHA with authorities in Somaliland on June 21-22, 2004. On this occasion, OCHA opened a fruitful consultation with the authorities, which led to the identification of suggested sectoral actions to be taken in response to the needs of IDPs (see annex 3 for the outcome of the workshop). Four of the participants to the June 2004 workshop attended the UN Guiding Principles training.

Findings

1. Who is an IDP in Somaliland

According to participants, one of the primary causes of displacement in Somaliland is war in Somalia, civil war, political and tribal conflicts in Somaliland. The other major cause of displacement is natural disasters such as drought and the related loss of livestock, floods, fires and diseases. IDPs could constitute as much as 20 percent of the population of major towns, ie Hargeisa, Burco, Berbera and Borama. Some people have been displaced for as long as 1988, when the government of Siad Barre attacked Hargeisa. However, participants found it difficult to estimate the number of people displaced in the five regions of Somaliland. Estimates varied from 5,000 to 70,000 IDPs.

According to a local NGO Gashan, 3800 displaced families from the South live in Hargeisa, and 3400 displaced families from Somaliland live in Hargeisa. Most come from central and southern regions, such as Baidowa, Mogadiscio, but also from Puntland. The 1 UN Internal Displacement Unit, Mission to Somalia : Mission Report, 16 April 2004 majority of them came from villages and moved to towns. They were from low-income groups and minorities. A displaced woman from the South said that people had come to Hargeisa to seek safety from violence, rape and looting. Also, according to participants, about 60 percent of nomadic populations are affected by displacement due to drought, and the majority comes from Somaliland.

Participants identified twelve settlements in or around Hargeisa, including four IDP settlements in Hargeisa, two in Berbera and two in Burco (see tables below). Participants confirmed the existence of smaller IDP settlements in other towns of Somaliland. Areas of IDP settlements in Hargeisa:

New Hargeisa Sh. Nur
Sh. Yussuf Kownin
Dami
Aw Adan
Ahmed Dhagax Ahmed Guray
Abdi Idan
Mandeg
Stadium
26th June Almis (Xisbiga)
Gd Jano
Koad Buur State House
Mohamud Haiveh (formerly Guryasamo) Mohamed Mageh

Areas of IDP settlements elsewhere in Somaliland:
Berbera Jama Layeh
Shacab Area
Burao 15th May
Yarooweh
Sic Balchtis
Bojana Sh. Ali Jowhar
Sh. Osman
Las Anod Dami

Participants found it difficult to distinguish between economic migrants and IDPs. Some participants said that economic migrants generally arrive in towns individually to support their families who remained in areas of origin. Participants agreed that pastoral populations follow habitual patterns of migration when searching for pasture and water for their livestock. It is only in case of a prolonged drought that pastoralists loose their livestock and move to major towns to survive. They should be then considered as internally displaced.

Participants also identified returnees from Ethiopia as a vulnerable group. They mentioned their difficulty of reintegrating into areas of resettlement and their lack of basic capital and property.

2. Legal sources of the Guiding Principles

Participants were briefed on the three pillars of the Guiding Principles in international law: international human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee law by analogy. These bodies of law can be found in conventions ratified by states, as well as international customary law. In 2001, the people of Somaliland adopted by referendum a constitution, restating the rights of the citizens of Somaliland and other people on its territory. In particular, article 10 of the constitution provides that:

"The Republic of Somaliland shall observe all treaties and agreements entered into by the former state of Somalia with foreign countries provided that these do not conflict with the interests and concerns of Somaliland. The Republic of Somaliland recognizes and shall act in conformity with the United Nations Charter and with international law, and shall respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights."

As a result, the treaties ratified by the State of Somalia have been formally integrated to the legal framework of Somaliland, and the authorities in Somaliland have officially proclaimed their liability for their implementation. As major sources of the Guiding Principles, the following conventions are particularly relevant to the protection of IDPs in Somaliland:
1. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), ratified by Somalia in 1990
2. International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), ratified by Somalia in 1990
3. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), ratified by Somalia in 1975
4. Convention against Torture, Cruel, Inhuman and Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CAT), ratified by Somalia in 1990

Displacement in Somaliland: testimonies from participants A displaced woman: "I came to Hargeisa from Mogadiscio due to insecurity. I now live among people who have not been displaced. I went back to Mogadiscio to find out if the security situation had improved, but as it had not, and I felt she should return to Hargeisa."

A displaced man: "I was evicted four times by the owners of the places where he had settled, each time forcing me to move to another area. My rent also increased from 2,000 shillings for the place where I first settled to 10,000 shillings in my current settlement. Today, I subsist on begging, along my wife and two daughters. My two sons polish shoes."

Somaliland has also stated that it is bound by the Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC) although it has not been ratified by Somalia.

3. Assistance and protection needs

In his of introduction to the workshop, the mayor of Hargeisa emphasized the need to give special consideration to IDPs. He reviewed their basic needs, and said that their rights should be considered in depth. During the workshop, participants also recognized that IDPs were particularly vulnerable, following the loss of their possessions and the trauma endured upon their displacement, as well as their current condition of extreme poverty in areas of displacement.

Participants discussed the results of a survey conducted by UNICEF in 2003, which identified the protection needs of IDP and other children. About 10,000 people were interviewed for this survey, which was funded jointly by various organizations, including WHO and UNHCR. The survey highlighted that IDP children were affected by discrimination, resulting in a lower access to education, to decision making processes and to justice than for the rest of the population. For instance, IDP children tend to stay longer in prison, as they do not have access to negotiation procedures. Displaced families use child labour to sustain their lives: 30 percent of the displaced adults and 42 percent of the displaced children say that their families is dependent on child labour, vs 13 percent and 20 percent respectively in the general population. The type of labour available to children is physically difficult and prevents them from attending school. One sensitive issue documented by the survey is the problem of sexual abuse within displaced communities: 31 percent of children in IDP settings reported rape as a problem in family, versus 17 percent in the general population. There was an agreement among participants to endorse the recommendations suggested by the survey to address these protection concerns.

Participants identified four categories of displaced people in Somaliland: 1) Somalilanders displaced by conflict, 2) Somalilanders displaced by drought, 3) People originating from the central and south displaced of the conflict, 4) Returnees who have not yet resettled permanently. Participants agreed that among these four groups, the people displaced from southern and central Somalia are the most vulnerable. Members of other groups also live in very poor conditions, but, as Somalilanders, they can rely on their families or clans in Somaliland for help.

Physical security: Displaced participants said that they feel much safer in Hargeisa than in their former homes in central and southern Somalia. Their major problem is the uncertainty and confusion of their status in Somaliland. In October 2003, the Somaliland government issued a decree allowing the eviction of non-Somalilanders from Somaliland. Many displaced were deported or sought refuge in Puntland and other regions as a result.

Following talks with UN agencies, the government ceased to apply the decree, and many displaced came back to Somaliland. The government has since then stated that the displaced from central and southern Somalia should be considered as IDPs, but there seems to be insufficient information among the general population about this decision.

The current confusion regarding the status and identity of IDPs seriously affects their well-being. Displaced participants said that their homes had been recently burned, and that they had had to rebuild their shelters in another area. Their current settlements are located closer to local communities. Living with Somalilanders was indeed mentioned by some as a coping strategy to avoid being the object of harassment. It was felt that special efforts should be conducted to improve the social acceptance of IDPs among host communities.

IDPs are particularly affected by psycho-social problems, resulting in a lack of confidence hampering their integration in host communities. IDPs continue to fear deportation and arrest. The lack of registration and documentation maintains IDPs in a precarious position vis-.-vis authorities. As a result, IDPs have limited freedom of movement and refrain from expressing their problems and concerns and approaching the authorities. The group recommended that a registration of IDPs be conducted and identification documents be issued to IDPs. The necessity to involve IDPs in the planning and implementation of this registration process was highlighted, as IDPs are reluctant to register with the authorities lest their registration could facilitate their eviction.

The issue of the kind of status to be given to the people displaced from Somalia was also discussed, as the current political status of Somaliland within the international community does not allow for the grant of the refugee status to them. However OCHA recalled the participants that the Ministry of the Interior agreed to refer to the people displaced central and southern Somalia as "IDPs".

Discrimination: Displaced people originating from Somalia belong to a different culture and other clans that the ones present in Somaliland. As such, they face a real risk of discrimination in their daily life. Displaced people have very limited job opportunities as local employers give preferences to people belonging to their own community. IDPs have also limited access to the judicial system is limited as they speak a different dialect and cannot afford costs. IDPs from Somalia are victimized as people tend to associate them to the former Somali regime and its large-scale human rights abuses in Somaliland. It was agreed that the Ministry of the Interior is responsible for addressing the discrimination against IDPs, in line with article 8 of the Constitution of Somaliland.

Basic services: IDP settlements remain deprived of access to water and are generally not connected to existing water systems. However, it was acknowledged that the current shortage of water affects the whole city of Hargeisa and should be addressed globally.

Health facilities and services are also missing in IDP communities. IDPs lack the resources to face the costs to these services where available. Given the general destitution of the population in Somaliland and Hargeisa, it was highlighted that an excessive focus from the part of the humanitarian community on the need of IDPs could heighten tensions between the local communities and IDPs. It was suggested that assistance programmes should give priority to areas of IDP settlements but that they should also systematically include vulnerable members of hosting communities among their target groups.

Education: Article 15 of the constitution of Somaliland provides for the right to education. One displaced participant stated that displaced lack schools for their children. Very few IDPs can afford school fees for their children. Displaced children have to work or beg on the streets to supplement the meager income of their parents. Those who do go to school often face discrimination from other children, as they are not part of clans traditionally present in the area and speak a different dialect from the rest of the pupils. The lack of teachers in areas of IDP settlements was also explained by the incapacity of the authorities to pay their salaries.

Land and Shelter: One of the displaced participants insisted that the major problem faced by displaced was accommodation and rent for the land. The group confirmed that IDPs in Somaliland do not have access to adequate shelter and receive no assistance to address their shelter needs. Their current shelter do not protect from rain. Vulnerability of IDPs with regard to shelter depends on age, gender and geographical origin. The lack of shelter also particularly affects the security of displaced children and women. Displaced people from southern and central Somalia also face precarious shelter conditions. Other displaced originating from Somaliland live in inadequate shelters when displaced far away far from their home areas.

4. Responsibilities and coordination

At the government level, the primary responsibility for the security of IDPs lies with the Ministry of Interior, including the police forces. The presidential office for intelligence and security has also a role to play. The ministries of planning, health and education have the responsibility of addressing sectoral needs of displaced people. At the local level, security problems affecting IDPs should also be addressed by local community councils and elders. Members of local and displaced communities themselves should also be involved in the search for solutions.

Participants agreed that the assistance of the international community was also need to help local actors respond to the needs of IDPs. International assistance to IDPs is provided by various humanitarian organizations, primarily UNICEF, WFP and UNDP, as well as international and local NGOs. The head of the local NGO "Gashan" presented its activities implemented towards displaced communities, such as vocational training provided to internally displaced women in Hargeisa. The NGO also mobilizes support for aid to IDPs, compiles information on IDP communities and acts as a liaison between the displaced and the authorities (see annex 4).

Participants highlighted the need for a better coordination among all relevant actors. They also said that international donor agencies should be more systematically involved and briefed on the situation of IDPs in Somaliland.

5. Durable solutions

According to participants, the main obstacles to the return home of IDPs include the lack of security due to continued conflicts in central and southern Somalia, the destruction of properties left behind by IDPs, the occupation of their land, the presence of landmines, the lack of economic means, income-generating opportunities and basic services in return areas. Participants discussed the conditions for a successful return of the displaced to their home communities.

Displaced people among the participants highlighted the need for political stability and security in Somalia. It was agreed that return should not be forced and IDPs should be consulted and associated with the planning of the return process. Return has to be prepared both in areas of displacement and in areas of origin. Assessment surveys should be conducted in areas of return to inform IDPs willing to return. Basic services in areas of return should be established, and opportunities for income-generation identified.

Communities in return areas should also be approached and inform about the return of IDPs. Mechanisms for the restitution of lost properties and the settlement of property disputes should be devised, based on formal or traditional law. Humanitarian organizations and development agencies should have access to areas of return, as well as human rights organizations, which can play a role in monitoring the return process.

Meanwhile, participants agreed that efforts should be made to ensure that IDPs can live in decent conditions as members of their host communities pending their return. The dignity of IDPs should be restored, in particular through by strengthening their selfreliance capacity. The NGO "Gashan" advocated for the development of a resettlement plan for IDPs, including the provision of shelters, access to basic services and utilities, education and vocational training, and opportunities for income generating activities.

Recommendations:

Authorities should give more attention to the problem of internal displacement in Somaliland, and provide a more comprehensive response to address the current needs of IDPs, with the support of international organizations.

Given the lack of knowledge on the scope of internal displacement in Somaliland, a comprehensive survey of the internally displaced population, including figures, areas of origin and current location, should be conducted as soon as possible.

Participants made specific recommendations regarding the following sectors and topics:

Protection and policy

Authorities and humanitarian actors should acknowledge the particular vulnerability of communities displaced from central and southern Somalia, which results from their lack of access to protection from their relatives or their clans.

Authorities should take measures to give reality to their commitment to consider displaced people from central and southern Somalia as IDPs. The following recommendations should be considered:

1. Authorities should inform all relevant actors, including IDPs and the humanitarian community, about the presidential instruction that the decree adopted in October 2003 to deport non Somalilanders is not applicable to IDPs from Somalia.
2. The Guiding Principles should be adopted formally by Somaliland authorities as the legal framework to protect all IDPs of Somaliland, including those from central and southern Somalia.
3. The primary aim of the registration of the IDPs planned by the authorities should be to identify who and where the IDPs are, to assess their needs and to help them ascertain their rights. Authorities should clear all concerns of IDPs with regard to this exercise, in particular by informing them about the objectives pursued, and involving them in this process.

Awareness-raising on the rights of IDPs should be initiated among authorities at the national and local level, as well as among NGOs and UN agencies dealing with IDPs. Programmes to improve the acceptance of central and southern IDPs by host communities should be developed. As a rule, programmes benefiting vulnerable groups in Somaliland should be implemented on a non-discriminatory basis and include IDPs where relevant.

Basic services

Authorities should support the displaced and other vulnerable groups who cannot afford to pay for basic services, including health facilities, sanitation and access to water, with the support of other humanitarian actors. Authorities should also ensure that the displaced are not discriminated against when seeking health treatment.

In its efforts to improve the existing water system in Somaliland, authorities should pay special attention to the needs of the displaced and host communities and ensure water supply to areas of IDP settlements.

Education

Authorities should take measures to improve the access to education for IDP children and other vulnerable children of host communities, with the support of humanitarian organizations. In particular, schools should be built where needed, and measures should be taken to provide additional teachers and exempt displaced and other vulnerable children from school fees.

Additional measures to ensure the enrolment of displaced children into schools should be taken. Parents of displaced children should be encouraged to send their children to school. Income generating activities should be developed within displaced communities to prevent child labour. Programmes to address the discrimination of displaced and minority children in schools should be implemented.

Land and shelter

Authorities should ensure that IDPs are not arbitrarily evicted from their current settlements. To the extent possible, efforts should be made to provide free use of land to IDPs. IDPs should be allowed to relocate to new sites voluntarily, in compliance with the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement.

Relocation sites should be close to the rest of the population and allow for reasonable access to public services and income-generating activities.

In order limit the impact of heavy rains, better building materials should be made available to displaced families and other vulnerable groups.

Self-reliance and participation

Employment opportunities should be promoted in areas of IDP settlements, for example through the development of cash-for-work projects and vocational training activities. Such programmes should target both IDPs and other vulnerable groups within host communities as beneficiaries.

The views of IDPs should be given more attention by all relevant actors. IDPs and their representatives should be involved in any decision related to their affairs. The organization of IDPs should be strengthened. Existing consultation mechanisms, such as village development committees, should include representatives of IDP communities.

Durable solutions

Authorities should commit not to forcefully return IDPs to areas of origin. When return will be possible, IDPs should be associated to the planning of the return process and provided with all the necessary information for them to take a voluntary decision.

Pending the voluntary return home of IDPs in conditions of safety and dignity, all efforts should be pursued to give IDPs a chance to live as full members of their host communities. The self-reliance capacity of IDPs should be strengthened. Authorities should consider giving IDPs opportunities for resettlement, along the line of current resettlement programmes implemented for returnees.

Coordination

Humanitarian organisations and authorities should strengthen their coordination and join their efforts in responding to the protection and assistance needs of IDPs. The newly created working group on IDPs should meet regularly and address all relevant issues affecting the protection of IDPs. As a matter of priority, it should develop a comprehensive plan of action to address the needs of IDPs and the registration process. Donors should be more systematically involved in the development of a consistent approach to the needs of IDPs and be encouraged to provide sufficient and long-term funding to support sustainable programmes benefiting IDPs.

Methodology and facilitation

The workshop was funded and organized by UN OCHA with the support of the Norwegian Refugee Council's Global IDP Project. Two facilitators of the Global IDP Project conducted sessions devoted to the origin of the Guiding Principles and the international response to internal displacement, the legal background of the Guiding Principles, standards relating to the protection from arbitrary displacement and during displacement, as well as durable solutions (see agenda in annex 1). Facilitators primarily used the modules developed by the Global IDP Project of the NRC in collaboration with the UN Office for Human Rights (UN HCHR). These modules, which examine key elements to protect IDPs throughout the displacement cycle, have been used in over 30 workshops around the world.

Two presentations were also given by organisations working closely with IDP communities in Somaliland. Ms. Silvia Danailov, UNICEF Child Protection Officer for Somalia, presented the results of the UNICEF Child Protection Survey conducted in Somalia and in Somaliland in 2003. Ms. Zeinab Haji Mohamed, head of the NGO Gashan, discussed the situation of IDPs in Somaliland (see a summary of this presentation in annex 4).

The workshop lasted three days and included interactive presentations and group works. Participants received a series of documents including the Guiding Principles in English and in Somali and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (in Somali).

Annex 2- Workshop participants

1. Abdi Mahied Adan IDP representative
2. Nuurto Osman Macahir IDP representative
3. Sahara Ahmed Ferax IDP representative
4. Rugigi Yagun Adiris IDP representative
5. Mahied Mahamoud Hussien IDP representative
6. Mahied A. Mahied HAVOYOCO (Local NGO)
7. Saynab Mahamed Gashan Women Organization (Local NGO dealing with IDPs only)
8. Ismaha Ibrahim Ministry of Justice
9. Hamud Ibrahim ADO (Local NGO)
10. Ismail Abdillahi Hargeisa Municipality
11. Abdi Kowdan Abdi Hargeisa Municipality
12. Abdiraham Mohaw CARE
13. Hibo Ismail Ibrahim CARE
14. Crispen Rukaswa UNDP
15. Ali Bashir Jibril UNDP
16. Hassan Adnan Abdullahi DRC
17. Abdullahi Mohamed Ali OCHA
18. Michiel Terellen ILO
19. Said Farah Mohamed OCHA
20. Asher Hussein Adan UNICEF
21. Ali Abdi Adan Ministry of Interior
22. Mohamoud H. Farah Legal Clinic
23. Hussien Jama Legal Clinic
24. Mohamed Abokor Legal Clinic
25. Hibo Malied Abdulah Gashan Women Organization
26. Khaalid Ahmed Ali Ministry of Justice
27. Mohamed Ismail Ministry of Interior
28. Mahamad Abdi Hargeisa Municipality
29. Yusuf S. Hassan Hargeisa Municipality
31. Yambo Ministry of Interior
32. Dr Kassin Omar WHO
33. Amram Hussein COSONGO
Annex 3 - Outcome of the workshop in Hargeisa, June 2004: RESULTS OF WORKSHOP IN SOMALILAND HARGEISA 21 - 22 JUNE 2004

Situation for IDPs in Somaliland:

The estimated number of IDPs varied from 30.000 to 70.000 throughout Somaliland, with the main concentration in and/or around major towns. The latter figure included Ethiopian refugees in Somaliland. However, the IDPs do not have a special status that differentiates them from others. It was perceived that the majority of the IDPs are women and children, while some talked about entire families.

The IDPs can be divided into three different groups; (1) The IDPs from the drought affected parts of Somaliland, (2) The major clans (Dir, Hawiye, Darood) from the South, and (3) Digil, Mirifle, Bantu, and other groups considered minorities.

The workshop members were of the opinion that the IDPs had equal rights as any Somalilander, such as right to education, employment, freedom of movement, etc. However, following further discussions it was acknowledged that there is a social discrimination against certain groups, many of them being IDPs of the third group. This discrimination affects the standard of living as it determines the degree of integration into Somaliland society. Their lack of economic access in turn affects their access to other rights, such as right to education, health, etc. The majority clans from the South are more integrated and hence are in a more favourable situation with greater access to basic needs.

Consequently, the main problems identified were especially amongst IDPs in group three. These were poor housing/no proper shelter, no running water, no electricity, no access to health facilities, no education, and no sanitation. It was also stated that begging is common as a means of survival. The few, who do have jobs, get them because they traditionally have certain skills and/or are cheaper workers than Somalilanders. However, the details of the issues per IDP settlement/camp were not fully known amongst the participants, whom stated that the IDPs had not really been the focus of the authorities and the international organisations.

Identified actions:

- In order to find out the number of IDPs, where they are currently residing and from where they are, a registration exercise was suggested. By registering IDPs, it was also felt that it would easier for the IDPs themselves to ascertain their rights. Especially in view of last year's decree to expel all IDPs, there is a need to do awareness raising amongst the IDP community about the aim of this activity and perhaps also to involve the IDPs themselves in the process. The Ministry of Interior (MoI) should take the lead in initiating such awareness raising meetings with the IDPs. As to the registration, the lead for this would be with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Planning, possibly with technical and/or material assistance by international organisations. The proposed mode of this registration exercise was to conduct it via the local authorities (LA) within three months. To do so, there is a need for technical and material assistance (computers, office supplies) for the LA. The Working Group on registration, ensuing a "rights and obligations" statement/paper towards IDPs by the authorities, will further work on the matter.

- It was felt that the lack of access to basic services for IDPs needed to be addressed immediately. Due to the limited resources of the authorities, it was suggested that the authorities and international organisations work jointly on this matter. Although there was not enough time to discuss concrete actions and further discussions are planned to take place in Hargeisa, the following was discussed:

a) Food - ensuing an assessment of the current situation, action (both in terms of distribution of food and other forms, such as work-for-food, etc) may be taken after discussions with WFP and other actors in the food sector.
b) Water - after an assessment of the current situation in the areas where IDPs reside and the surrounding host community, looking into providing assistance by putting up water resources. It was also stressed that this is a national problem. Moreover, it was mentioned that there is water leaking because of the poor state of pipes and the persons switching on-and-off the water distribution at sublocations are not always doing so in a fair manner.
c) Electricity - this is also a national problem and there are limited resources to put up additional poles. However, the problem of access to electricity might be different for IDPs/parts of the IDP community and an assessment of the situation is required.
d) Education - two different aspects of this problem were mentioned. First, many IDP children don't go to school, mainly due to the fact that they cannot afford the school fees, etc. This problem stems from the IDPs' overall financial situation affected by issues such as employment, etc. Second, the few who do go to school are discriminated against, in some cases resulting in that parents withdraw their children from school. It was mentioned that it's the other children who are behaving discriminately, but a further assessment of this might be needed.

UNICEF and their partners are already working on this issue but perhaps further actions may be required. It was also stressed that addressing the issue of discrimination between children, starts with oneself/within ones own family as children learn such behaviours/attitudes from adults.
e) Health - it was felt that there was an issue of access to as well as discrimination at health facilities. Apart from suggesting construction of new MCHs, which in fact might not be the core problem, few other concrete actions were discussed due to lack of time.
f) Shelter - two aspects of shelter were discussed, the actual standard of shelter and the issue of land ownership/rents. IDPs were perceived to mostly live in poor forms of housing and assistance such as tents, plastic sheeting, etc were suggested. Concrete details on their current situation are however necessary. As to where IDPs live (public or privately owned land), if they can own land, and whether they pay rent (even on public land), there was some disagreement. It was stressed that the issue is very important as it has a great impact on the overall situation for IDPs, and further information was required before identifying any actions.

Potential actions:

- Further on the issue of rights and obligations statement/paper, it was said that there is no need for any new law. The participants stated that traditional laws, secular laws plus the Constitution protect the IDPs' rights. However, OCHA, UNDP/ROLS and Somaliland authorities may look into the possibility of adopting the Guiding Principles for Internal Displacement as law, which was done by other countries.

- During the workshop it was mentioned that the IDPs themselves are not organised with no group/organisation representing them. As the participants recognised that there is a lack of knowledge about the current situation of IDPs, this information may need to be further assessed together with the IDPs. If IDPs themselves would like to get better organised, there might be a need for at least technical assistance to do so.

- In view of UNDP Somalia's recent receipt of some major funds for water, it might be considered to allocate certain part of those funds specifically for IDPs (perhaps together with the surrounding host communities).

- Further on access to/discrimination at health facilities, the sectoral discussions may wish to look into the possibility of mobile teams, promotion of qualified staff from minority clans/groups, rights conditioned assistance, etc.

- Regarding the issue of where IDPs live and whether they in fact pay rent on public land, further information is required. However, in connection with UN Habitat's work and/or UNHCR/UNDP's negotiations with LA on land allocation for returnees, it could be proposed that parts of any land allocation goes to IDPs. This will enable IDPs to have a better standard of living and it will assist the LA in preventing/addressing the problem of ad hoc structures being put up in a nonorganised manner.

- Even though employment was not specifically discussed in terms of actions, the statements above related to employment seem to indicate a discriminatory attitude and may require further action (legislation, different ways of addressing practice, etc). Income-generating (IG) projects targeting IDPs may also take this issue into consideration as well as the below point, i.e. the involvement of the IDPs themselves in assessing and implementing such projects.

- With a few exceptions, e.g. UNICEF, there seemed to be little communication with IDPs in group three. As a result, the information about their current situation and problems were limited and/or general - as mentioned above. In order to provide adequate assistance/support to this group, they themselves need to be involved and thereby also take responsibility for their own future. A first step towards such involvement is to establish a dialogue with the concerned persons, either by using the few existing channels or through reaching out by visiting IDP areas. Only through such dialogue and involvement of IDPs, a proper assessment of the IDPs' situation can be made. Such assessment should be followed by concrete actions to address some of the identified problems.

Cecilia Kaijser, Protection Coordinator, OCHA/UNCT Somalia, 12/07/2004

Annex 4 - Brief on IDPs in Somaliland (by the Gashan Women Development Organization)

Date: August 15, 2004

Gashan women development organization operates in west region particularly in Hargeisa City the capital of Somaliland. Gashan which is a local organization is established with the promotion of the welfare and protection of vulnerable target groups, primarily women and their dependents affected by war. It therefore assisted the targeted population to network through cooperation partnerships on the basis of respective objectives and common aim in the promotion of human development. In this regard, the NGO Gashan is engaged to mobilize local initiatives and available resources to improve the livelihoods of targeted population.

However, it is true that Gashan local women organization over the years of its establishment has been primarily focused on improving the social and economic protection of internally displaced people (IDPs) in Hargeisa.
- Over the years in the field, Gashan organization has actually gained significant experience in supporting such targeted population.
- The focal point of Gashan's support and strategy activities involved in IDPs' specific assistance included.
- Gashan being the focal body providing moral support and legal aid for the IDPs
- Providing for the targeted IDPs' relief emergency aid such as shelter, food, security, medicine, household items, sanitation, utility and related other social services for the IDPs
- Facilitating education opportunities and income generation schemes for the IDPs Raising awareness of related issues important for the IDPs

Carrying out statistics operations at certain locations for the IDPs

IDPs' SITUATION

Besides the large number of returned refugees in Somaliland, there is a considerable number of IDPs designated mainly to urban settlements in major towns. The majority of these IDPs flee from the war from Somalia (southern region) the IDPs are displaced most of them women and children who lost their property and threatened of their lives due to continued fertilities, starvation, banditry and acts of rape!

The existing situation of stability and peace and the on-going activities of reconstruction and rehabilitation do motivate such IDPs to come to Somaliland. Though the settlement of IDPs here increases the level of poverty, the IDPs are nevertheless accepted for humanitarian reasons.

It is worth mentioning that the IDP population in Somaliland is composed of:
- Mainly those who fled from the southern regions as a result of the above mentioned reasons. 3,800 families live in Hargeisa.
- A considerable number of internally displaced in certain Somaliland regions due to civil unrest and prolonged drought and famine, which caused loss of their properties such as livestock and agricultural lands. About 3,400 families live in Hargeisa. About 485 families from the South receive assistance from UNDP.

The current population of IDP's in Somaliland is estimated to include more than 30,000 inhabitants who primary settled in major towns. It is estimated that half of this number live in Hargeisa City. Settlements of such IDPs are scattered in and around Hargeisa and the major locations are namely:

1. The State House area
2. The Independence garden
3. New Hargeisa area
4. Sheikh Nur area
5. Sheikh Mubarik area
6. Aw aden area
7. Mohamed mooge area
8. Stadium area

The IDP population in Hargeisa is actually living in slums located in the mentioned areas. They are living in stiff poverty and below standard of living as victims of disasters, with no reliable sources of income. There is no facilitation of social services for the IDPs in their temporary settlements and they almost get no assistance from either the administration or the international organizations.21

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. It is fundamental to establish a well planned resettlement area with the provision of all necessary facilities of social services for the IDP population in general.
2. It is absolutely necessary for the IDP population from Somalia to establish a separate and specific resettlement area with the provision of the following needs:

- Identification and location of an accessible area
- Carrying out statistics and senses taking as well as registration operation to clarify the accurate number of IDPs presence from Somalia
- Shifting and transportation efforts to IDP settlements to the newly established resettlement area
- Provision of food aid assistance for the IDPs
- Provision of utilities such as water and electricity
- Provision of protection services such as police stations
- Provision of all necessary social services to improve the livelihoods of the IDP population namely:
1. Health facilities i.e. MCH centers and toilets
2. Shelter and housing
3. Education and vocational training facilities such as schools and PLA Notes CD-ROM 1988-2001