UNICEF - Street children and Orphans
UNICEF - Street children and Orphans
A 1996 UNICEF preliminary assessment of children in especially difficult circumstances (CEDC) in Somalia revealed that street children in urban centres and children living orphanages face significant and particular problems. Given that the majority of children in Somalia can be classified as living under difficult circumstances, street children and orphans in Somalia constitute a particularly vulnerable and neglected group which cries out for humanitarian assistance. UNICEF proposes to continue to study the problems of street children and orphans in Somalia, to devise appropriate interventions and to monitor the situation.
Many Somali children have witnessed or been involved in periods of armed conflict and experiences of violence perpetrated against family members. Many have lost one or both parents. Often they have been abandoned, separated from their families or fostered by relatives within the extended family (clan). Some local authorities and community members have already taken the initiative of addressing the growing problem of street children.
Estimates of the number of street children in selected urban centres of Somalia are as follows:
|
Hargeisa |
350 |
|
|
Boroma |
200 |
|
|
Berbera |
300 |
|
|
Bossasso |
300 |
|
|
Kismayo |
150 |
|
|
TOTAL |
1,300 |
(not including Mogadishu) |
It is almost certain that similar numbers of street children can be found in other urban centres, particularly Mogadishu, which could not be covered by the UNICEF survey due to insecurity. The total number of children on the streets is therefore much higher than 1,300.
Orphanages have existed in Somalia for many years. Many were established under the umbrella of UNOSOM but have since ceased functioning due to interruption of support and funds. Some local organisations are trying to rehabilitate disused orphanage premises to provide care to these vulnerable children.
Another aspect of the difficult circumstances faced by orphans is that of adapting to Somali society and conditions once they reach the age of having to leave the orphanages. Having lived comparatively sheltered lives within institutions, many of these children are unprepared for the harsh reality of having to survive without support. Problems related to integrating into their society can be one of the most traumatic experiences for a young adult.
UNICEF proposes to work with local authorities, community leaders and managers of orphanages (and similar institutions) to review the situation at the local level, identify appropriate actions and provide support in addressing these problems.
