IDPs living rough, says NRC

An estimated 400,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Somalia continue to live in extremely difficult conditions as the newly installed government tries to relocate to the country and restore order, a report by the Global IDP Project of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), said.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, the NRC said more than half - some 250,000 - lived in the capital, Mogadishu, "the most dangerous place in the country". Mogadishu is where IDPs were at constant risk of being caught in the crossfire of clan fighting, "as well as being exposed to extortion of money and food aid" by gunmen who control IDP sites”.

"Somalia's IDPs are the most vulnerable people in a country whose whole population has greatly suffered from years of war and anarchy", Raymond Johansen, the NRC secretary-general is quoted as saying.

He said in an atmosphere where securing oneself was accomplished through "clan" association – as a necessary means of continued existence, being uprooted from a community could result in serious risks, possibly even violent attacks and "human rights violations".

Even those that had found refuge in the more stable areas of Somaliland and Puntland, faced strong resentment and discrimination by the local population "and are often denied access to assistance and the most basic services".

NRC called on the international community to increase support to the displaced "and take special measures to ensure that IDPs do not fall between the cracks of international assistance".

See the Full report at: www.idpproject.org