UNDP SOMALIA: COUNTRY OFFICE BRIEF

POLITICAL OVERVIEW

South Central Somalia: On 9 June 2011, under the auspices of President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and the facilitation of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for Somalia/Head of the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), Ambassador Augustine P. Mahiga, the Kampala Accord was signed between the President of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and the Speaker, Sharriff Hassan Sheikh Aden. The Accord outlines decisions reached regarding the extension of the transitional phase of the Government of Somalia. As a result, elections of the President and Speaker and deputies have been deferred until August 2012. A criteria also outlined in the Accord was the resignation of the Prime Minister within 30 days. Thereafter, a new Prime Minister was appointed by the President in July 2011. The Accord also dictates that the Government and Parliament will work together with the international community to establish a roadmap with benchmarks, timeline and compliance mechanisms for the implementation of priority transitional tasks especially as related to security, parliamentary reforms, the constitution-making process, preparation for elections, and greater political outreach.

On 5 September 2011, at the “Consultative Meeting for Ending the Transition in Mogadishu”, a peaceful settlement of recent disputes between Mohamed Ahmed Ali, President of the Galmudug State of Somalia and Abdirahman Mohamed Mohamed “Farole”, President of the Puntland State of Somalia was reached. The agreement was enacted in the presence of Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, Speaker of the Transitional Federal Parliament and Abdiweli Mohamed Ali, Prime Minister of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia. In attendance were other ministers and high ranking Somali officials. To ensure that hostilities do not re-occur, a four point plan was adopted, outlining the parties’ agreement to (1) implement and maintain an immediate ceasefire, (2) establish and maintain direct communication at the highest level, (3) address future issues in non- violent and cooperative manner and (4) recognize that they face a common threat from insurgent groups. Ambassador Mahiga expressed the UN’s commitment and readiness to assist in the adoption of a roadmap towards ending the transitional period in Somalia.

Somaliland: Governance in Somaliland has been progressing smoothly following peaceful democratic elections in 2010. Despite Cabinet reshuffles and initial teething problems, President Silanyo and the Somaliland government are steadily working towards regional development. The government is keen on fighting corruption, improved public financial management, and reform in critical areas such as public administration, judiciary and police. Bilateral assistance to Somaliland is increasing following high level meetings and commitments from UKaid, Kuwait, China, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates. In May, Somaliland representatives met with a United Nations Security Council delegation where the security concerns and achievements in the political, social, and economic spheres were discussed. The government, through the mediation of the vice president is working on a three-point humanitarian plan which highlights the role of Somaliland in the drought/famine relief efforts in the south central region of the country. As at 28 August, the Government of Somaliland has mobilized over 600,000 USD towards relief efforts. A key development in 2011 is the decision by the government to allow for the formation of new political parties which will be allowed to participate in the local elections to take place in early 2012. This marks an important step in Somaliland’s democratization efforts.

Puntland: President Farole has continued to focus his efforts on the political situation in south-central Somalia, piracy and on security concerns related to clan conflicts in the border areas of Sanaag and Galkayo. On 17 July, 21 judges were dismissed by Presidential Decree, following the recommendation of the Puntland Higher Judicial Council. Accusations of corruption and nepotism have been voiced, yet no charges brought against the accused. This decision has raised concerns regarding the independence of the judiciary. Other notable political changes include the appointment of a new director for the Puntland Good Governance Bureau, Ali Mohamed Yusuf on 23 June; the appointment of Colonel Khalif Isse Mudan (Rtd) as the Minister of Security; and the appointment of Faisal Said Mussa as the Director-General of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation. In July, the President officiated the swearing in of the Puntland Electoral Commission. The Puntland government is committed to the transformation and improved effectiveness of governance institutions, especially in the areas of public financial management and civil service reform. 1 7 September 2011

SECURITY OVERVIEW

Mogadishu: During the past 12 months there have been a high number of attacks on the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) troops as well as on troops of the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia (TFG), by Al Shabaab and other anti-government elements. These have ranged from rudimentary grenade attacks or direct fire attacks to very complex attacks using vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED), person-borne improvised explosive devices (PBIED) or attacks in which the attackers were dressed in TFG security uniforms. In March 2011 the TFG/AMISOM forces mounted a counter-offensive to try and eliminate the Al Shabaab threat, which resulted in many casualties occurred on both sides. For several months, the impact of the offensive did not appear to be significant. However, the weekend before the start of Ramadan – 29 July - the vast majority of Al Shabaab and aligned fighters abruptly withdrew from most of the six districts of Mogadishu under their influence, and returned to other areas of South Central Somalia. The exact reasons for this withdrawal are unknown. Al Shabaab has maintained that the withdrawal was a strategic decision. However, there has been a leadership dispute within Al Shabaab in recent months and with the loss of so many fighters it is believed they no longer have the number of forces to sustain the fighting. On 13 August, the government declared a state of emergency in all the districts vacated by Al Shabaab for fear they would be quickly occupied by various clan militias. It should also be noted that Al Shabaab have not completely withdrawn, but have resorted to asymmetric attacks against the TFG/AMISOM due to their low numbers. There have been no direct attacks against UN staff or facilities in the past 12 months and a new United Nations Common Compound (UNCC) is currently being prepared for occupation by international staff with a completion date planned for October 2011.

South Central Somalia: As a result of Al Shabaab’s takeover of the Baidoa UNCC in July 2009 and the communiqué by Al Shabaab banning UNDP, UNPOS and UNDSS from operating in Al Shabaab controlled areas, UNDP have not had any staff operating in the region since. Therefore, the Country Office (CO) is forced to rely on implementing partners to carry out project activities. There is no indication that the situation is likely to improve and in spite of the announcement of famine in June 2011, humanitarian agencies face great difficulty trying to negotiate access to any areas in South Central Somalia. In recent weeks, almost certainly due to the withdrawal from Mogadishu, there has been an increase in Al Shabaab presence and attacks against the Ahlu Sunnah Waa Jamaa Group (ASWJ) -Ethiopian and TFG supported operating along the Somalia/Ethiopia/Kenya border - and other pro-government groups in areas which are not under Al Shabaab control. There has also been a large influx of IDP’s towards the Kenyan/Somalia and Ethiopian/Somalia borders in recent months as a result of the famine and the influence of Al Shabaab. Al Shabaab has imposed many restrictions on the population including fines and “voluntary payments” to local UN staff that remain in South/Central (WHO, UNOCHA, FAO and UNICEF). UN national staff maintain a very low profile and do not use UN vehicles or communications when conducting program activities. The prospects of a return of UNDP staff to South-Central in the short/medium term looks very bleak due to the expanded control of Al Shabaab in most areas where UNDP previously operated.

Somaliland: In the period since the new government under President Silanyo was formed, there has been a significant reduction in security related incidents. A number of arrests were made by the security forces against Al-Shabaab insurgents in the area. The capital of Hargeisa has not had any serious security incidents in the past year. The disputed areas of Sanag and Sool have been problematic during this period. The majority of incidents have occurred either in the Sool area in Las Anood or in the area of Buhodle which borders the Togdheer/Sool region. The hard-line Sool, Sanag and Caynaba Group (SSC) have been in numerous conflicts with the Somaliland security forces resulting in a number of deaths on each side. Puntland has also been accused on numerous occasions of supporting the SSC Group, and this has the potential to lead to a serious conflict between Puntland and Somaliland in the future unless the issues around the disputed areas can be resolved. There have been a number of intelligence reports during the past 12 months indicating that Al Shabaab were planning to attack Somaliland and pressure has been placed on their leader, Sheikh Godane who originates from the area. However, to date, any attempts in the region have been foiled by the Somaliland security forces. The UNCC in Hargeisa, which was the target of a VBIED suicide attack in October 2008, was re-opened in September 2010 and is now fully functioning.

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Puntland: Piracy activities continue in the coastal towns of Eyl and Hobyo, although there is a reduction of incidents at present due to the monsoon season. Current estimations state there are approximately 30 vessels and up to 600 personnel currently being detained by pirates either inland or on vessels at sea. There have been a high number of targeted assassinations in Puntland during the past year with the majority taking place in Bosasso and Galkayo. The majority of the targets have been either justice officials or MPs. There are indications that this may be connected to their business links rather than their political or legal roles. There have been a number of conflicting reports regarding who is responsible for these attacks with the two main suspects being the piracy link or the militia of Sheikh Atom, a clan leader who controls Galgala - an area 40 kms to the south of Bosasso. Although he has Al Shabaab support, the group has stated that he is not Al Shabaab, but rather a clan leader with his private militia. The Puntland security forces have mounted several operations against Atom in his mountain stronghold of Galgala, yet he and his militia remain undefeated and the area is still very unstable. In recent months, Africa Oil has moved into the area between Galgala and Bosasso with plans to start drilling for oil. To date there have been several targeted attacks on the oil convoys and this is likely to escalate as their operation increases. Galkayo and the surrounding area have faced a series of clan related incidents resulting in a high number of deaths. The majority of these incidents have been in the villages on the outskirts of Galkayo however some incidents have occurred in the town where there are UN staff operating. To date there has been no direct targeting of UN staff in the region and the biggest threat is still “wrong place, wrong time” incidents.

DROUGHT AND FAMINE IN SOMALIA

The failure of the rains in 2010 was more severe than expected causing livestock deaths and leading to an unprecedented increase in local cereal prices. In 2011, the ongoing drought continued to take a devastating toll on people and their livelihood assets, especially livestock and cereal stock, primarily in South and Central Somalia. Cereal prices, for instance, in some locations increased by up to 270% which subsequently decreased overall purchasing power and contributed to heightened food insecurity. This already dire situation was compounded by continued insecurity in many parts of the region. As a result, thousands have fled to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia to access assistance. UNHCR has reported an average of 10,000 new Somali refugees arriving in Kenya’s Dadaab Camp per month (at least 1,500 per day since 19 June) and 5,000 - 6,000 arriving at Dollow Ado Camp in Ethiopia. As of 19 June 2011, a total of 54,700 new Somalis were registered in Kenya, reflecting a 115% increase as compared to the same time in 2010. According to the FSNAU report1 in June 2011, the number of people in humanitarian need reached 2.85 million in Somalia (of which 1.75 million reside in Southern Somalia), and an increase of 19% from January 2011. In June 2011, the UN officially announced a famine and resultant humanitarian crisis in Somalia.

UNDP Response: Since January 2011, UNDP, under the Employment Generation for Early Recovery Project (EGER) responded to the crisis by using its already existing resources from various donors and its core resources. With a US $ 1 million budget, the following is being accomplished in some of the most affected regions:

• Emergency employment: Since January 2011 6,402 impoverished people were provided with short-term job opportunities, generating a total of 216,116 work days. Cash injection at this stage is essential as it supports the poor in accessing food and overcoming the sky-rocketing cereal and water prices • 59 water catchments with a capacity of 297,642 cubic meters are being rehabilitated for domestic and livestock use and 18,000 trees planted • 16 water canals are being rehabilitated which will contribute to the expansion of cultivable areas • 79 km of feeder and access roads have been rehabilitated in order to facilitate movement of goods and people as well as to reduce transportation costs • Provision of 3,360 tools, seeds, and other assets to impoverished farmers and 1,1581 cooking stoves provided to households

1 http://ochaonline.un.org/OchaLinkClick.aspx?link=ocha&docId=1238856

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In August 2011, the Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) supported UNDP with a USD $ 1 million contribution which is being used for the following drought mitigation and relief efforts in Gedo and Bakool regions. The funds will be used to rehabilitate water catchments, check dams, trapezoidal soil bunds, canals, and earth pans. It will also be used for construction and/or rehabilitation of water and road infrastructure, and for the provision of agricultural inputs and non-food items. It is anticipated that with these funds 216,298 work days will be generated, reaching 600+ direct beneficiaries and positively affecting 38,824 household members.

Related UNDP activities in other parts of the country:

• Under the FAO-led Sustainable Employment and Economic Development program (SEED), more assistance is being given to destitute women in the form of micro-grants to market fish as a source of protein. In Somalia, red meat is the main source of protein and a very low percentage of people consume fish. This project will promote fish eating habits through awareness campaigns and opening new local markets. • UNDP is also engaged in private sector development. In addition to the preparation of value chains for fish in Puntland and milk in Somaliland, UNDP is supporting the preparation of microfinance strategies to encourage micro and small enterprises that shall contribute mainly to sustainable employment creation. • Finally UNDP is engaging in an environmental sustainability program through which it is working with concerned authorities to better manage the already deteriorated and over-exploited rangelands - the main provider of feed and grazing for the millions of livestock in Somalia. Further, UNDP is engaging with the authorities to introduce an affordable alternative source of energy that can create green jobs and reduce the dependency on charcoal. One source under investigation is biogas production.

Given the devastating impact of the drought, UNDP will also seek to specifically support efforts to address food insecurity and in particular some of its more structural causes related to food availability, accessibility and affordability. UNDP’s support to this multi-faceted challenge will be in the following areas: Through labor intensive schemes, contribute to i) the expansion of arable land through improved land management, ii) improved irrigation systems through the rehabilitation of canals, the introduction of drip irrigation, the establishment of water collection systems and the provision of water pumps and iii) improved market access through rehabilitation of feeder roads and the establishment of market shelters.

UNDP will also help to increase and diversify water sources through water harvesting, drilling of boreholes and waste water recycling for fodder production and forestation programs. Livelihood asset replacement schemes will benefit vulnerable families through provision of seeds, livestock and tools. Finally, support to agricultural extension services will ensure knowledge transfer to improve irrigation means, diversification of crops, animal husbandry and the like. As much as possible, interventions will seek to increase water availability and accessibility through the rehabilitation and establishment of water catchments, bore holes, shallow wells and water points. Funding proposals have been submitted through which UNDP hopes to reach 168,000 people and 20,000 households. The Country Office has recently received support with TRAC 3 funds to support a capacity assessment of local authorities in Mogadishu. These funds will also be used to support monitoring efforts towards strengthening overall crisis response. A second request has been put forward for initiatives around strengthening the response and coordination capacity of the Prime Minister’s Office. UNDP will work closely on this initiative with OCHA.

Through the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) for Somalia, UNDP is planning to implement a project to “enhance the resilience of the drought affected people in southern Somalia” with a budget of USD $ 5 million. The project will aim to ensure that (1) vulnerable people in crisis receive humanitarian assistance and (2) that the livelihoods assets of different groups {women and men} are protected and restored (according to their needs in humanitarian emergency and acute food and livelihood crises). Specifically, UNDP hopes to achieve these goals through the following activities:

1) Improved household income and food security through cash for work interventions to rehabilitate basic social and productive infrastructure 2) Basic productive and water infrastructure rehabilitated and basic livelihood restored 3) Skills and capacities of vulnerable groups in “humanitarian emergency” and “acute foods and livelihood crisis” situations improved

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COUNTRY OFFICE PROGRAM: 2011 - 2015

Following the Assessment of Development Results in 2010, the new Country Program was formulated for the 2011 to 2015 programming cycle. The four outcomes of articulated in the new Country Program Document (CPD) were designed to encourage maximum synergies and collaboration among UNDP’s programming interventions in Somalia. There is also a strong strategic alignment of priorities across the United Nations Somali Assistance Strategy (UNSAS) for the period 2011 – 2015. UNDP is the lead agency for Outcome Three of the UNSAS which covers “good governance and human security”.

 Outcome One: Capacity-building for Peace and Human Security UNDP will diversify its participation in strategic peace-building activities, such as the constitutional process, including civil society organizations, particularly women’s groups, and the private sector, to deepen peace within their own communities.

 Outcome Two: Strengthened Governance and Rule of Law Institutions, Systems, Practices and Services UNDP commits to strengthening governance and rule of law institutions, systems, practices and services. Transitional governance and rule of law institutions within Somalia are very fragile. Outcome two is critical for the assertive management of conflict, the protection of human rights, the advancement of gender equality, and the achievement of localized MDGs.

 Outcome Three: Increased Livelihood Opportunities and Improved Natural Resources Management UNDP will strive to improve livelihood opportunities for the most poor and strengthen institutional arrangements and policies for better management of natural resources. Despite years of intense conflict, there are pockets of opportunities where communities can engage in activities for early recovery, community empowerment and the revival of sustainable livelihoods. There will be greater focus on area- based community-level planning to promote localized, integrated, gender-sensitive MDG-based interventions for human security and human development.

 Outcome Four: Gender Equality UNDP’s intent is to make women’s concerns and experiences an integral dimension in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all policies and programs in the political, economic and social spheres of life. Special focus will be placed on expanding the leadership role of Somali women, particularly in the area of peace-building and conflict resolution, tackling some of the most extreme and recurrent aspects of abuse and discrimination as well as addressing the causes of gender equality thereby transforming the unequal power relations between men and women.

POVERTY REDUCTION AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION PROGRAM

The focus of the Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection Program (PREP) for the next five years can be summarized in the following three pillars:

1) Strategic economic development policies formulated and implemented with focus on small and micro- finance for inclusive growth: To ensure inclusive growth, private sector investment and support Somalis in achieving their full economic potential, an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment that is stable and transparent is required. The PREP Program, in collaboration with other specialized UN agencies, will provide technical assistance and catalytic financial support to formulate and develop micro- finance policies and regulatory frameworks including supervisory arrangements. In order to facilitate access to micro finance for women, youth and marginalized people in both rural and urban areas, the program will work with other agencies to provide the necessary technical assistance to private and governmental institutions to establish micro-credit facilities.

2) Local communities empowered to analyze, participate in and advance recovery and development, local enterprise, conflict and sustainable environment management: Given the conflict and post-conflict contexts, the focus will be on restoring and rehabilitating key productive sectors such as livestock, crop production and fishing, ensuring that natural resources are used in a sustainable manner and 5 7 September 2011

rehabilitating community based infrastructure to link markets and reduce the costs of doing business. RSL will strive to expand alternative livelihood opportunities through the provision of income generating activities and upgrade of basic social and productive community-based infrastructure using labor intensive techniques while emphasizing private sector role. Additionally, PREP will work towards expanding financial services and access to micro-finance for women and youth. This will be supported by promoting the development of cooperatives and effective business associations to foster small and medium scale enterprises.

3) Environmental and natural resources utilized in a sustainable, equitable, gender and conflict-sensitive manner through the formulation and implementation of strategic policies: To reduce the potential for conflict over natural resources, through the PREP Program, UNDP will work with authorities, communities and the private sector to understand local environmental drivers and impacts, ensure sustainable use of natural assets through participatory decision-making and dialogue, improve the transparency of government processes through laws and regulations and put in place benefit-sharing mechanisms and processes to address disputes and grievances at the community level. Natural resource management can serve as an entry point or platform for catalyzing other governance reforms. The program will support relevant ministries to develop natural resource management policies and strong regulatory mechanisms with a focus on climate change and disaster risks, bio-diversity use rangelands and its carrying capacity, extractive industries and national and trans-boundary water management. At the local level, communities and government will work together to put in place, structures for community management of natural resources, disaster risk management plans and early warning systems.

The PREP Program will work on these areas through the following projects:

 Area Based Early Recovery Project The overall objective of the project is to support the recovery of Somali communities in regions affected by conflict, hazards, disasters and the movement of populations. It seeks to ensure a tangible increase in the income levels within the vulnerable communities through equitable and sustainable employment and income generation opportunities. Its geographical area of focus is the Bay and Middle Shabelle regions of South Central Somalia. The project aims to rehabilitate social and productive types of infrastructure (agriculture improvement, livestock or other community economic opportunities mainly natural resource based) using labor intensive employment generation. In addition, the project works towards improving skills and knowledge in advocacy and in initiating ownership and participatory planning at the district and regional levels. Specific focus is given to promoting the role of women in recovery.

 Employment Generation for Early Recovery Project The EGER project addresses the urgent need for income generation and job creation in Somalia through community based approaches. It aims to provide more knowledge to local communities towards contributing to peace building, reconciliation and socio-economic development in Somalia. The project seeks to generate employment opportunities and income for vulnerable populations in Somalia, particularly women, marginalized groups and youth. This is implemented through labor intensive rehabilitation of productive and basic social infrastructure such as irrigation canals, garbage collection, environmental health, access roads, market places, and public buildings. In addition, the project is enhancing vocational training for youth and other vulnerable population and influencing the micro- finance services targeting women headed households with the aim of addressing the need for longer term job creation and skills development.

 Private Sector Development Project This project supports initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and hastening Somali economic recovery and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The project encourages the emergence of a viable private sector in Somalia by promoting inclusive market development through business councils and entrepreneurs, supporting an inclusive financial sector and microfinance and; helping the Somali livestock and meat export sector to advocate for a more conducive environment for private sector development and opportunities for public private partnerships. This project is also expected to significantly contribute to conflict de-escalation and promotion of peace in Somalia.

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 Environment Protection Project The project supports equipping of environmental authorities, the implementation of a public awareness/advocacy campaign and implementation of community-based environmental/energy conservation activities. It aims to support Somalia’s efforts in meeting the targets of MDG7: ensure environmental sustainability. It also promotes sustainability of the sources of livelihoods for the majority of the population that depends on productivity of natural resources.

GOVERNANCE AND RULE OF LAW PROGRAM

The Governance and Rule of Law Program primarily supports the achievement of Outcome 2 of the new Country Program: Somali women and men, girls and boys, benefit from more inclusive, equitable and accountable governance, improved services, human security, access to justice and human rights. It is comprised of five main sub-outcomes:

• Sub Outcome 2.1. Mechanisms for transition to democratic and accountable structures and systems of governance designed and implemented • Sub Outcome 2.2. Key public sector reforms designed and implemented in an inclusive, gender- sensitive, participatory and transparent manner. • Sub Outcome 2.3. The capacities for parliamentary and civil society actors strengthened for effective and accountable governance oversight. • Sub Outcome 2.4. Technical assistance provided to improve security, establish a functioning judiciary, access to justice, a constitutional and legal framework, and protection of human rights under the rule of law. • Sub Outcome 2.5. Mechanisms in place to support improved access to equitable prioritized basic services, especially for women and vulnerable groups.

The merging of the previously distinct Governance and Rule of Law programs is part of an ongoing process towards a more coherent overall Governance and Rule of Law Program which ensures that the projects under this portfolio work in a more synergistic and complementary manner. The Program will also contribute to other outcomes and sub outcomes of the Country Program in a cross-cutting manner. The main project areas currently include local governance, institution building, access to justice, police and community safety.

 Civilian Policing Project The Civilian Policing Project is active in all regions of Somalia. In 2011, greater emphasis will be placed on the development of a governance structure for the police and Ministry of Interior, to ensure the requisite management capacity to deliver high quality policing services to communities. This will be complemented with capacity development and support for the establishment of internal and external oversight structures. The Civilian Policing Project will continue to support police training, provision of uniforms, equipment and stipends (Somalia Police Force only). Rehabilitation will be undertaken on a priority needs basis. In Puntland and Somaliland, the project has focused on the introduction of accountability, legal frameworks and mid-level training, including criminal investigations.

 Access to Justice Project The Access to Justice Project supports both technical assistance and capacity development at the government and local community level. This includes support to the Attorney General, Law Reform Commission and the Somaliland Parliament Juridical Committee to improve the capacity to monitor the effectiveness of courts, as well as to the Ministry of Justice and Prosecutor’s Office to ensure high quality justice dispensation. As part of an outreach campaign and to bridge different justice systems, UNDP also supports engagement with traditional authorities to enhance their understanding of modern human rights and women’s rights ’ which should encourage higher quality justice dispensation. At the community level, the project actively supports the provision of free legal aid to vulnerable groups, through support to universities, NGOs and paralegals.

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 Armed Violence Reduction The Armed Violence Reduction Project works closely with communities and local counterparts to develop community safety and security plans. The project has developed and undertaken a number of safety assessments at the community level which inform not only the development of the community safety plan, but also support policy deliberation at the highest levels of government. The overall objective in 2011 is to provide tailored support based on the results of the surveys to reduce violence and empower communities and government (central and local) to effectively address safety and security issues.

 Somali Institutional Development Project (SIDP) SIDP interventions will be adapted to meet the priorities in the three zones of Somalia. In Somaliland, SIDP will work closely with the new administration in support of their objectives to strengthen the machinery of government (including public financial management) and support the professionalization of the civil service. In addition, greater emphasis will be placed on work with Parliament particularly in the exercise of parliamentary oversight responsibilities. While a similar approach will be taken in Puntland, the emphasis to support the Transitional Federal Government will focus on the completion of priority transitional tasks – finalization and adoption of a consulted constitution as well as preparing for and standing up a new political dispensation. Where possible, additional support will be provided to establish an interim Independent Electoral Commission to ensure ratification and transition processes are transparent, credible and legitimate.

 Joint Program on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery The Joint Program on Local Governance and Decentralized Service Delivery is a joint five-year effort (2008‒2012) implemented by UN-HABITAT, UNICEF, UNDP, ILO and UNCDF throughout Somalia. The overall objective of the joint program is that local governance contributes to peace and equitable, priority service delivery in selected locations. The specific objectives are that: i) communities have access to basic services through local government, and ii) local governments are accountable and transparent.

Previously under the UNDP program portfolio, the Constitution Project is now being implemented through a joint unit in collaboration with the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS). The merger into a joint program is expected to streamline support at both technical and political levels. The process is expected to contribute not only to the development of a constitution and better governance systems in Somalia, but also engages in a process that builds peace and reconciliation among Somali constituents.

A new Governance Program Document is currently under development. The new strategy will expand areas of assistance to include new areas in programming including support to transparency, accountability and integrity initiatives, as well as parliamentary and political party strengthening. A new Rule of Law Program Document is also being developed. Finalization of both these strategies is anticipated for the end of 2011.

OFFICE RE-ALIGNMENT AND DECENTRALIZATION

In order to better implement the new country program over the next five years, in mid 2011, a management decision was made to re-align the Country Office. As a result, the four main program areas are being merged into two cohesive units: the Governance and Rule of Law Program and the Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection Program (PREP). The PREP Program brings together the former Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods Program and the Human Development and Economics Unit.

The Governance and Rule of Law Program responds to all four outcome areas of the country program: capacity- building for peace and human security, strengthened governance and rule of law institutions, systems, practices and services, increased livelihood opportunities and improved natural resources management, and gender equality. The Poverty Reduction and Environment Protection Program responds to three outcome areas (excluding outcome two): capacity-building for peace and human security, increased livelihood opportunities and improved natural resources management, and gender equality. Specialized units such as the Human Development and Economics Unit and the HIV/AIDS Unit provide key interventions across outcomes areas. While gender equality is captured under Outcome Four of the CPD, it is also mainstreamed across all outcomes and program areas.

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To further optimize project implementation and better meet the needs of direct beneficiaries and counterparts in the field, the realignment process also encourages relocation of certain posts to the sub offices, and seeks to contribute to the following recommendations made in both the Assessment of Development Results Evaluation (2010) and project level evaluations:

i) ensure optimal organisation of the program structure to best align with and meet the needs of the new country program ii) increase international presence in Somalia where security conditions permit iii) lower overall international staff numbers in Nairobi

ENGAGEMENT IN MOGADISHU

Following the withdrawal of Al Shabaab, the UN is exploring further engagement in Mogadishu. Several UN agencies have already begun traveling in and out of the city, meeting with counterparts and exploring possibilities for programming interventions to resume. As at end August 2011, the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) resumed its service to Mogadishu International Airport, with three weekly flights which allows UN agencies and the international community to engage better in the city.

UNDP has also begun sending key staff into Mogadishu and has recently advertised two national officer positions which will be based in Mogadishu. In the immediate future, UNDP will increase staff traveling on short term missions to Mogadishu. A key priority for the Country Office in the short term, is the rehabilitation and opening of the UN Common Compound in Mogadishu in October 2011.

NEW PROJECT AREAS IN 2011

Increased Engagement with Youth: In 2011 UNDP, in collaboration with UNICEF and ILO, is working to promote community security through engagement with actors of violence, namely “youth at risk” or youth associated with armed groups. Through the Youth at Risk Project, the potential to prevent youth enlistment in violent activities will also be addressed. It is hoped that violence will be contained and prevented by engaging these groups through the creation of employment and livelihood opportunities at the district level. The overall program addresses short term violence and insecurity while delivering longer-term reform in community security. The ultimate aim of this project is to strengthen the Somali peace-building infrastructure which enables people to address and support a broader range of issues such as human trafficking and piracy. This joint programming approach will maximize co-ordination and coherence, building the basis for sustainable impact by establishing a strategic partnership based on comparative advantage of UN agencies and partner NGOs. The proposed strategic approach to violence and conflict reduction is in line with the recent discussions within the UN on how to undertake “second generation DDR" in complex settings, such as the Somali one, where the minimum conditions for implementing traditional DDR programs are not in place; and where there are high levels of diffused violence perpetrated by armed elements, such as militias and gangs.

UNDP’s participation as part of the Youth Advisory Committee will see UNDP supporting initiatives towards the development of a Youth Panel that will eventually lead to the finalization of a Youth Strategy for Somaliland and Puntland.

National Human Development Report: The focus of the forthcoming 2011 National Human Development Report for Somalia will be on Somalia’s youth. Somalia’s youth represent 70 percent of the total population. With over 20 years of conflict in Somalia, most of the country’s youth have known no other way of life. Many have and are facing the harsh realities of civil unrest and survival. Scores of youth have joined armed militia groups as a means of survival. Others struggle for gainful and longer term employment opportunities. Somalia’s youth have stores of potential which need to be harnessed and channeled into positive building blocks for national development and peace. The youth are the hope of the future. The NHDR will highlight the challenges, disadvantages, possibilities, capabilities and opportunities which exist for Somalia’s youth such that interventions geared towards youth development will be appropriately designed and implemented.

9 7 September 2011

Piracy: Piracy off the coast of Somalia has become a growing national, regional and international problem. In 2010 Somali pirates were able to operate up to 1,500 miles off the coast of Somalia, targeting ships as far afield as India to the east and Mozambique to the South. Along with geographic reach, piracy is a growth industry with attacks increasing from 35 in 2005 to 219 in 2010. Pirates earned an estimated $238 million in 2010, an average of $5.4 million per vessel highjacked, up from $150,000 in 2005.2 International efforts to combat piracy on the high seas have been restricted by what to do with those captured at sea and suspected of acts of piracy. This has resulted in a haphazard response with many of the accused being released shortly after capture. Any sustainable solution to the problem of piracy requires a significant level of investment in the criminal justice system in Somalia to develop the legal frameworks, the investigative and prosecutorial capacity and the ability to enforce any judgments.

UNDP is responding to Special Advisor Jack Lang’s report and in particular “Proposal 25” which recommends the establishment of a court system including specialized courts in Puntland and Somaliland.3 UNDP has developed an overarching three-year strategy in close collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in this regard. UNDP is uniquely placed to perform this role as it is the only agency with a long-term presence in the regions and has a well-established rule of law program which works across the criminal justice chain on policing matters and access to justice. UNDP’s Governance Program is working with the line ministries to develop their capacity and professionalism which provides comprehensive institutional level support to this strategy. UNDP’s response will build upon these foundations and utilize an already well-established field presence with offices and staff in both regions who are already working on all of these issues and can therefore commence implementation of this program immediately.

UNDP will ensure that the Piracy Trials Program will develop in a way that strengthens the judicial system as a whole. This strategy will focus on improving decision making across the criminal justice chain with a focus on serious crimes – including piracy. This strategy has seven components which will be delivered over a three year period from April 2011 to March 2014. The overall objective of this is that countries wishing to transfer piracy suspects to Somalia have confidence in the ability of the Somali justice system to deliver fair trials and prosecute suspects according to due process. UNDP will work towards achieving this goal through i) technical and material capacity building, ii) judicial and court reform, iii) legislative reform, iv) legal defence, v) prosecution, vi) protection of judiciary personnel and vii) monitoring.

2011 FINANCIAL OVERVIEW DONOR CONTRIBUTION (USD) European Commission 11,688,745 Japan 7,466,467

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 1,800,000

UK Department for International Development (DFID) 1,474,092 Sweden 1,302,749 United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) 1,270,875 Central Emergency Relief Fund (CERF) OCHA 1,000,000 UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (BCPR) 650,000 Germany 661,760 Government of the United Kingdom – Foreign & Commonwealth Office 159,744 TOTAL 27,474,432

2 Somali Piracy at Sea, The Economist, 3 February 2011. 3 UNDP is currently supporting the justice sector in South Central, while the Piracy Trials Program will not be implemented in Mogadishu during this phase, any opportunities to link these two processes will be pursued. 10 7 September 2011