United Nations Urges Protection for Civilians and Aid Workers in Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS/MOGADISHU: The United Nations has called on all parties to conflicts in Somali conflict to respect and protect civilians and humanitarian workers in a clarion call echoing a similar appeal globally.

Speaking while marking the World Humanitarian Day in Mogadishu George Conway, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General who also doubles as United Nations Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia called for the protection and safeguarding of those at the forefront ofa humanitarian efforts amidst ongoing violence and instability.

Conway highlighted this year’s World Humanitarian Day theme, #ActForHumanity, which serves as a global call to action, urging better protection for civilians and humanitarian workers, particularly in conflict zones. “We must reflect and honor aid workers who are often targeted or obstructed while striving to assist those in need,” said Conway. Somalia continues to face one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, driven by recurring climate shocks, protracted conflicts, and economic downturns, leading to widespread suffering, food shortages, and displacement.

Conway’s remarks echoed similar sentiments by the UN acting director of the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Joyce Msuya who warned against the ‘normalisation of violence against aid workers and the lack of accountability are unacceptable, unconscionable, and enormously harmful for aid operations everywhere.’

“With 280 aid workers killed in 33 countries last year, 2023 marked the deadliest year on record for the global humanitarian community,” a 137 percent increase over 2022, when 118 aid workers died, OCHA said in the statement.

According to OCHA-Somalia, there have been 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access this year while two workers have been killed.

Despite a reduction in the number of people in need of assistance—from 8.3 million in 2023 to 6.9 million in 2024—the humanitarian situation in Somalia remains critical. Vulnerable populations, including 3.8 million internally displaced persons, continue to face significant challenges. Conway paid special tribute to Somali aid workers who, despite immense risks, remain committed to delivering vital assistance and protection to those most in need.

However, the operational environment in Somalia remains fraught with challenges. Bureaucratic constraints and security concerns pose significant obstacles to humanitarian efforts. In 2024 alone, 124 incidents affecting humanitarian access were recorded, including 12 aid workers injured and numerous reports of physical assaults, harassment, and intimidation. The global humanitarian community also suffered heavy losses in 2023, with 280 aid workers killed across 33 countries, including four in Somalia.

As the international community marks World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations reiterates the importance of adhering to international legal obligations to protect civilians and ensure the safety of humanitarian workers. “Every time these rules are broken, human suffering intensifies,” said Conway, stressing the urgent need for all parties to respect established norms in conflict situations.