OCHA Situation Report
Somaliland Fact Sheet
6 December 2006


Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OVERVIEW OF HUMANITARIAN ENVIRONMENT IN SOMALILAND

Over the past ten years, the degree of peace and stability obtained in 
Somaliland and the presence of viable government counterparts has 
allowed a large number of UN agencies, international NGOs and local 
partners to work in a coordinated manner on both humanitarian and 
recovery development programmes, as the area moves closer to political, 
economic and social recovery and reconstruction.

Somaliland has an estimated population of 2-3 million and broke away 
from Somalia in 1991 declaring 'independence'. It has not been 
recognized to date by the international community. Somaliland did not 
participate in the recent peace process (2003/4) initiated in 
neighboring Kenya and has continued to reiterate its sovereignty. 
Meanwhile, a promising democratic system has been put in place as 
ongoing political development and economic recovery materialize. 
Legislative elections were held on 29 September 2005 (following council 
elections in 2002 and presidential elections in 2003) which according to 
international observers, were carried out in a peaceful, free and fair 
manner. Of the 1.2 million refugees that fled Somalia's conflict in 
1991, 700,000 have returned back to Somaliland, attracted by the dynamic 
urban areas and relative stability of the region.

Livestock export forms the backbone of the Somaliland economy but this 
sector has been exposed to several shocks in recent years, including the 
livestock ban of 2000 (by Gulf States due to outbreak of Rift Valley 
Fever) and the lack of national capacity to establish necessary 
regulations and infrastructure to facilitate certification of animals 
for export. Also, some areas have experienced several years of drought 
which severely impacted on the Somaliland pastoral livelihood (60-65% of 
the population rely on livestock for their livelihood) causing enormous 
hardship as livestock losses amounted to 60-80% of herds; destitution 
(creating rural - urban migration); and severe environmental 
degradation. UN agencies, international and local NGOs responded to the 
situation, particularly in the most affected areas of Togdheer, Sanaag 
and Sool. The 2006 Gu rains (April-June) had mixed outcomes throughout 
Somalia/Somaliland. In Togdhere, Sool, and Sanaag recovery continues and 
the number of people in livelihood recovery has significantly reduced 
thanks to increased herd sizes, reduced debt levels and generally 
improved access to rangeland and water.

The disputed areas of Sool and Sanaag between Puntland and Somaliland 
remain generally calm with few incidences of insecurity. Somaliland 
forces remain in the same position near Lasanod town since 2004. In an 
effort to enhance security and safety of humanitarian workers, the UN in 
collaboration with the local authorities established a Special 
Protection Unit (SPU) in October 2003 to provide protection for 
humanitarian workers of the UN and International NGOs.

Presently, the most pressing humanitarian concerns in Somaliland focus 
on the continued disruption to livelihoods following several years of 
drought; issues relating to IDPs, returnees and urban destitute; concern 
over increased risk of extremist activities reducing humanitarian 
access; inadequate protection particularly for IDPs and other vulnerable 
groups and continued low human development indicators (especially in 
education and health).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Appropriate Donations for International Disaster/Humanitarian Needs
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Center for International              web: www.cidi.org
    Disaster Information          listserv: www.cidi.org/listsub.htm
                                guidelines: www.cidi.org/donate.htm
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -