Population concern; August report: 3.5 million IDPs, 45,450 refugees and asylum seekers, 134 refugee returnees (2025) 140,965 refugee returnees (Since Dec 2014)
The operating environment in Somalia is complex. Decades of conflict and insecurity, political tensions, clan dynamics, and climate change have resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. UNHCR has recorded 279,000 internal displacements, primarily due to insecurity/conflict (61%), drought (13%), and flood (11).
Armed conflict, the presence of nonstate armed groups, and clan violence continue to limit access for humanitarians across the country. In addition, political differences between the federal and state governments threaten the already fragile security situation in Somalia. Climate shocks exacerbate the effects of insecurity and conflict.
Somaliland and Puntland authorities have issued separate drought appeals, with OCHA estimating 2.5 million people affected. Reduced funding is expected to leave well over two million Somalis vulnerable. After revision, the Somalia Humanitarian and Needs Response Plan now targets 1.3 million people, a 72% drop from the original 4.6 million.
UNHCR has operated in Somalia for 30 years and is currently present in 8 locations countrywide, plus a support office in Nairobi. UNHCR provides protection and assistance to refugees, asylumseekers, returnees, IDPs, and vulnerable host communities. The operation works closely with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and partners to support durable solutions for all displaced persons. Emergency response to conflict and climatic events is pivotal to UNHCR’s mandate.