United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Date: 11 Dec 2006
The vast majority of the long-term displaced reside in the south/centre of the country, with some 250,000 in Mogadishu alone. The northern regions also host significant numbers of protracted displaced from within these regions and beyond. In addition to this, the return of refugees has been on-going from neighbouring countries for ten years, with over 70,000 returning to Somaliland and a further 40,000 to Puntland. This has put enormous pressure on basic services and land availability within the main urban centres. The scarcity of reintegration opportunities, particularly in establishing livelihoods, has led many returnees to join IDPs in temporary settlements, living in similar deplorable conditions. While remaining in situations of protracted displacement, many IDPs and other vulnerable populations face discrimination (particularly in access to basic services) as well as restrictions on their freedom of movement and political rights.
New displacement has occurred in waves throughout central and southern regions; at the beginning of 2006, as a result of the drought and more recently due to severe flooding in southern regions, particularly along riverine areas. In early December 2006, an estimated 444,000 people are displaced due to the floods. Over the year, displacement as a result of natural disasters has been compounded by displacement due to conflict or tensions in various parts of the country. In the first six months of 2006, over 100,000 people cited violent clashes, discrimination and tensions as the key reason for their flight. Targeted forced relocations and displacement have also been reported in several areas, particularly of those with certain religious leanings and clan affiliations.
Linked to internal displacement are wider population movements including those fleeing as refugees across to Kenya and migration flows due to a lack of economic opportunities. Refugee flows into Kenya continue with over 35,000 Somalis having crossed into camps in northern Kenya since the start of the year, seeking protection. Those who cannot flee across the western border have travelled northwards in the hope to cross the Aden sea to Yemen in search of economic opportunities. In November 2006 alone, over 3,600 people (Somali and Ethiopian) made the voyage to Yemen through the well established smuggling network. Many Somali's end up in refugee camps in Yemen while others particularly Ethiopians use Yemen as a transit to the Gulf states and Europe in search of work.
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