Somalia

Objectives of Shelter Cluster Somalia

Somalia has faced protracted displacement for over three decades, resulting in an increasing demand for shelter and non-food items (NFIs). However, the situation is worsening due to recurrent conflict, natural disasters, evictions, and prolonged displacement, all exacerbated by a decline in shelter funding. Currently, 88% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) reside in Buuls—makeshift emergency shelters with domed thatched roofs crafted by Somali women from twigs and rugs. This starkly illustrates the vast unmet shelter needs across the country.

According to the 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP), it is estimated that approximately 4.6 million people in Somalia will require shelter support. However, only 1.4 million are expected to receive targeted assistance.

Inadequate Living Conditions: 88% of the displaced community resides in makeshift shelters, predominantly affecting the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, women and children, and people with disabilities. The IDP population, primarily composed of women and children, has experienced multiple displacements over the past three decades. These repeated displacements have left them vulnerable to ongoing safety, security, and protection risks, exacerbated by their temporary and undignified living conditions. Additionally, they face a heightened risk of gender-based violence. The combined impact of poor living conditions, climate change, and natural disasters further undermines the effectiveness of makeshift shelter solutions for these vulnerable populations.

Priorities:

In 2024, the Shelter/NFI Cluster is dedicated to enhancing its response in the following key areas:

1. Address the growing need for safe and dignified shelters while enhancing overall living conditions.
2. Advocate for the capacity to effectively respond to both lifesaving needs and longer-term solutions, with a focus on providing dignified shelter.
3.  Building the capacity of partners in key technical and thematic areas, including dignified shelter, coordination, and environmental sustainability.

Response Overview

SNFI Cluster members are actively responding to the needs of both newly displaced populations and protracted IDPs in Somalia. In the second quarter of 2024, 205,307 individuals received non-food items (NFI) assistance, which included NFI kits, kitchen sets, jerry cans, sleeping mats, solar lamps, tarpaulins, and blankets. Additionally, 694,526 people benefited from seasonal and supplementary tarpaulin distributions aimed at maintaining their leaking roofs through the shelter cluster’s common pipeline.

 During the same period, durable shelter support was provided to approximately 1,566 people. Women expressed their relief, stating, “We can now sleep without fear of intrusion or attack; we have privacy, we can lock our houses, and we feel safe now.”

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