Prolonged internal displacement in Somalia has also led to loss of social protection networks. Many have been displaced from their homes for decades, are marginalized and at risk of forced evictions, discrimination, pervasive exploitation and abuse. Female-headed households within internally displaced communities are particularly vulnerable and often have limited access to justice, services and assistance, including medical care and psychosocial support. Children are especially vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including practices like female genital mutilation, forced and early marriage, family separation, child labor and forced recruitment into armed groups.
It should be noted that Somaliland is more socially homogeneous than Somalia or indeed most other African states (and greater homogeneity tends to mean higher levels of trust between citizens).
Number of HI staff members: 73
Date the programme opened: 1992
