UN created envoy’s role to help put Somalian crisis back on the radar
Mohammed Abdi Affey’s role as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ special envoy for Somalia was specially created 11 months ago to address the refugee crisis.
Mr Affey said the high commissioner felt it prudent to have an envoy who would refocus attention on the displaced Somali population, who require continued protection and support.
“The position was created because there was a feeling that now a role like this one will generate interest,” he said. “We didn’t expect the world to forget, but the world forgot. We have to get this matter on the international radar.”
The UN member states decided on a new approach towards the protection of refugees through the comprehensive refugee response framework.
“This is an attempt to not only help the refugees but also the host countries,” Mr Affey said. “The country needs more time before it can be out of the woods. “We are not in a position today to say that Somalia can receive back all of its population because the conditions inside the country aren’t safe or stable enough to allow a massive return. But we can prepare this population for eventual return by giving them a dignified stay in the camps.”
Last March, the leaders of host countries met in Nairobi, Kenya, where they agreed on a roadmap and plan called the Nairobi Declaration, to help the Somalis and their hosts.
“It’s a plan of action towards finding a durable solution to the Somali refugee crisis,” Mr Affey said. “I’m very grateful for the hosts’ long hospitality, because even they are struggling with their local populations.
“But now they’ve taken the extra burden and responsibility to host Somali refugees for 27 years, and continue to provide the generous support to them until such a time that Somalis can go back home to live in peace and dignity.”
Mr Affey said such countries had shown a strong commitment to the cause. “I’m hoping the UAE will contribute to that declaration and that my mission will generate interest to find a space to support them.”
A new framework focuses on helping not just Somali refugees, but also countries hosting them