More than 420,000 displaced in Somalia in 10 months: UNHCR

In Somalia, over 427,000 individuals have been internally displaced in the first ten months of 2024, Xinhua reported citing the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). The Protection and Solutions Monitoring Network reported a significant increase in displacement, particularly in October, with Gedo, Bay, and Banadir regions experiencing the highest numbers.

Approximately 66,000 people were displaced in October alone, primarily due to conflict and insecurity, with 50,000 attributed to these causes and 3,000 due to climate-related events like droughts and floods.

The UNHCR highlighted that the displaced populations urgently need food, shelter, water, livelihood support, and healthcare. The agency is collaborating with local authorities and partners to provide essential protection and assistance to vulnerable internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities affected by ongoing conflict and climate challenges. Finding sustainable solutions for refugees and IDPs remains a top priority for the UNHCR in partnership with the Somali government and other stakeholders.