UNHCR prepares for first permanent presence in north Somalia

The UN refugee agency UNHCR is working to set up the first permanent international presence in the Galkayo area of Somalia's northern Puntland region to cope with an influx of 12,000 people who fled the latest fighting in the strife-torn country.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said in a news release on Wednesday that its four-member emergency team has been assessing the needs of thousands of displaced people in the Galkayo region where new arrivals increased the number of internally displaced people (IDP) to some 35,000.

"Those whose clan is present in southern Galkayo receive protection and supports from their clan members, but minority clan groups from further south in Somalia are collected in destroyed buildings and live in abject poverty, requiring immediate assistance," said Alex Tyler, a member of the emergency team.

The recent fighting in central and southern Somalia between fighters of the Supreme Council of the Islamic Courts and the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) which now controls most of the two areas sent refugees fleeing towards the country's southern border with Kenya.

The World Food Programme has been providing rations for 6,000 people as well as 12,000 residents hosting them since early this month.

The UN said although the TFG now controls the Somali capital Mogadishu, some 700 km southeast of Galkayo, the conflict continues to create new displaced people and prevent long-term IDPs from returning home.

"We left because we knew there was going to be fresh fightings and we were afraid of being caught in crossfire," said 60-year-old Rooxo, who fled her home in the Tayeglow region of central Somalia after her husband was killed.

"Fear is still there, because we know it can happen again. Some of our houses have been destroyed, and so has our life there, " she was quoted by the release as saying.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has voiced concerns over the deteriorating health situation, although the World Health Organization has been able to bolster major hospitals in the south of the country with medicines, medical supplies and fuel.

There are 14 refugee settlements around Galkayo town but many of the new arrivals are left to fend for themselves in streets, living in slum conditions with no access to latrines, washing facilities or potable water, members of the emergency team said.

The team drove in from the coastal town of Bosaso in Puntland on Jan.8 and plans to be in Galkayo for at least a month assessing the needs and numbers and helping provide aid.

It will distribute shelter kits and basic supplies such as plastic sheets, sleeping mats and kitchen sets which are due to be airlifted to Galkayo.

The team will also work with partners and the local authorities to develop a comprehensive action plan addressing the longer-term needs of Galkayo's IDPs, many of whom have been there for 10 or 15 years.

Source: Xinhua