LIVING ON THE EDGE OF A FORGOTTEN LAND

 THEY call them "Somali flowers".

Disposal companies have dumped tones of waste in the Daami neighborhood of Hargeisa, leaving children to pick their way through the waste, above; Concern Worldwide helped set up community groups so women could start self-sufficiency projects, far right; while many children have suffered severe ailments because their families have no access to basic medical facilities Photographs: David Pratt

Faded from the searing sun, snagged on bushes, and fences, tumbling on the dusty breeze or lying in clusters across waste ground, the turquoise and pink plastic bags so nicknamed by locals litter the city of Hargeisa. Their presence in Somaliland's capital is no respecter of rich or poor, uptown or downtown life, though inevitably it is the poorest communities where the worst garbage is to be found. Daami neighborhood is one such place. In this sprawling slum that is home to some 3500 people, many belong to Somaliland's minority clans and are among the most marginalized in the region.

IDP MINORITY AND MIGRANT WOMEN'S CURRENT SITUATION IN DAAMI A&B, SHEIKH NOUR AND QOOBKA IDP SETTLEMENTS - SURVEY REPORT 2022

USWO organization has recently conducted a preliminary survey on marginalized IDP minority and migrant women's current situation in Daami A&B, Sheikh Nour and Qoobka IDP settlements which are widely known to be the most and only residential areas for minority communities and for the low socioeconomic and marginalized groups in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Here we have published the key findings and results of this survey report on the current situation of migrants from Ethiopia; as well as, refugees and other returns from South Central Somalia.

DROUGHT FORCES FAMILIES TO FLEE THEIR HOMES TO FIND SHELTER IN CAMPS FOR THE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PEOPLE

In Somaliland, desperate families are migrating in droves in search of food, water, and pasture for their weakened animals.

Burao, Somaliland: At Nabad iyo Nasiimo camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP) just outside Burao town, Ayan Hersi watches forlornly as her in-law, Abdi Igge, sets sticks in holes he has dug and interweaves them with a secondhand plastic sheet to create a makeshift shelter.

Hersi and her two-children arrived at the camp in the dead of night from Fadumo, 100 kilometers away. She is the latest among 300 families that have been displaced by drought in the last three months and have found refuge at the camp.

HUMANITARIAN CONDITIONS, SEVERITY AND PEOPLE IN NEED, FOR DROUGHT AFFECTED ALL IN SOMALILAND

Drought affected in general the urban and rural population in Somaliland regions, but vulnerable groups deem the mostly effected communities in the country. As a drought assessment report, conducted in Minority IDP settlements of five regions by minority lead organizations – USWO and DYDO, shows that  minority internally displaced people; in particular, women and children are encountering difficulties and suffering conditions caused by drought effected Somaliland and in generally the horn of Africa.

USWO: SUPPORT TO PROMOTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSION OF MINORITY WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROJECT.

There has been a touchable improvement on minority women’s rights so far reached and achieved after the implementation of the project first phase on October to December 2014. The outputs of the project previous phase have resulted in and caused the enlargement of minority rights activist groups, pressure groups; as well as, potential women’s rights advocates who represent lead module of gender equality and stand for empowered minority women targeting to raise up their role in the society and in the way forward be widely heard around the country and make addressing their rights as a national democratic and sensitive issue.

IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING YOUR PROFESSIONAL WRITING SKILLS

Chances are that you spend much of your daily-time writing. Whether it’s crafting a project update report, or sending an email, your written communications are often a big part of your professional life. What you may not realize, however, is how that writing can make, or break your career. Poorly written reports, sloppy emails and even terse text messages can undermine your professional image, perhaps even costing you a promotion, or an important customer.

In addition, writing beyond the daily email, or report is becoming more important for professionals. Many are asked to write for industry publications, or blogs as a way to demonstrate their expertise, but poor writing can quickly undermine that effort. Follow us on: Fb & Twitter

INCREDIBLE CARROT JUICE BENEFITS

As The Juicing Collection published on their website, Carrot juice is truly amazing and not only for its sweet succulent flavor, but also for its fairly immediate health benefits. When someone I know is in a health crisis, I make sure that a juice extractor is on hand along with a large bag of organic carrots.

These glorious sweet orange roots are over flowing with goodness. Besides being Bugs Bunny’s’ favorite snack, they are the ultimate crunchy power food that helps keep you healthy and radiant. When juiced, carrots give you a large amount of nutrients and their effect on the body is almost immediate. Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN THE BEAUTY OF THEIR DREAMS. CONGRATULATIONS!

Yassein Ibrahim Hassan Digalle - Newly Graduate at Admas University

A hearty congratulations on your graduation and wishing you a very good luck for the new beginning in life. May you reach all your goals! We hope your dreams take you to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of you opportunities, and the most special places your heart has ever known.

Remember the good times, be proud of your degree, and when you can, give back to help others realize their dreams.

Congratulations on your outstanding achievement! Looking back, it was all worth it. Wishing you all the best in the wonderful career you have chosen. Follow us on Facebook

STATEMENT OF THE DIRECTOR

The Republic of Somaliland formerly British Protectorate declared its independence from united Somalia after the total collapse of Somalia on 18 May 1991 and the country still awaits international recognition. The country has a population of about 3.5 million people. Most local residents belong to the Somali ethnicity, Somalia’s largest demographic group. Fifty-five per cent of the population is either nomadic or semi-nomadic, while 45% live in urban centers or rural towns, which include the capital city Hargeisa with an estimated population of 0.65 million and Burao, Borama, Berbera, Erigavo and Las Anod. The main religion practiced is Islam – Sunni. Follow us on Facebook

USWO STAFF AND OXFAM NOVIB GLOBAL FUND G.F Y 2 CAPACITY BUILDING PROGRAM

USWO Harg:- During 6 months attachment with USWO Civil Society Organization, Amina M. Rodal - A local consultant and trainer in organizational development from Oxfam Novib has assisted the organization in the production of Internal System Policies and Procedures "8 ISPP" Manuals, three years strategic plan and provided training both in filling up Organizational Development And Training "ODAT" GAPS, Organizational Best practices and HIV/AIDS awareness.

AN OFFICIAL DELEGATE VISITED USWO OFFICE AND CORDIALLY WELCOMED

USWO office - Hargeisa has cordially welcomed an official delegate from IIDA Women's Development Organization during their visit to USWO office - Hargeisa, Somaliland for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of a project entitled to "Support to the Promotion of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Somalia Funded by European Union (EU)".

LOOMA OOYAAN – NO ONE CRIES FOR THEM: THE PREDICAMENT FACING SOMALIA’S MINORITY WOMEN

USWO Organization - Somaliland: Minority Somali women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence due to poverty, marginalization and discriminatory attitudes, but this is often ignored by the authorities and the clans, say Minority Rights Group International (MRG) and IIDA Women's Development Organization in a new report. The report, Looma Ooyan - No one cries for them: The Predicament Facing Somalia's Minority Women, says the perpetrators of these abuses include members of dominant clans, militias and security forces, as well as men from minority communities.

SUPPORT TO PROMOTION AND IMPROVEMENT OF GENDER EQUALITY AND INCLUSION OF MINORITY WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT PROJECT

There has been a touchable improvement on minority women’s rights so far reached and achieved after the implementation of the project first phase on October to December 2014. The outputs of the project previous phase has resulted in and caused the enlargement of minority rights activist groups, pressure groups; as well as, potential women’s rights advocates who represent lead module of gender equality and stand for empowered minority women targeting to raise up their role in the society and in the way forward be widely heard around the country and make addressing their rights as a national democratic and sensitive issue.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY HIGH PROFILED DELEGATES FROM GOVERNMENT OF SOMALILAND AT THE END OF NATIONAL GENDER SOLIDARITY FORUM

Hargeisa: Today Wednesday 28 Jan 2015, USWO organization; in collaboration with IIDA organization, held a national gender solidarity forum on exposing minority women's role in political participation first time in history at Maansoor Hotel - Hargeisa in Somaliland.

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY HIGH PROFILED DELEGATES OF ONE DAY NATIONAL GENDER SOLIDARITY FORUM IN SOMALILAND

Hargeisa: Today Wednesday 28 Jan 2015, USWO organization; in collaboration with IIDA organization, held a national gender solidarity forum on exposing minority women's role in political participation first time in history at Maansoor Hotel - Hargeisa in Somaliland. This communique was issued at the end of national gender solidarity forum launched by USWO organization at Maansoor Hotel – Hargeisa, Somaliland. The participants of this meeting include senior officials from political parties, respected human rights activists from civil society groups, government ministers, religious and traditional leaders.

50 MINORITY WOMEN HAVE BEEN TRAINED ON MINORITY RIGHT ADVOCACY SKILLS, POLITICAL PEACE PARTICIPATION, COUNTRY DECISION-MAKING AND ENHANCING GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN SOMALILAND

USWO organization: 50 minority women, selected as active community committees from Daami A&B Minority IDP camps in Hargeisa, have been trained on minority rights advocacy techniques, political peace participation, country decision-making and enhancing the equality of gender and women's rights empowerment in Somaliland.

USWO PROJECT: SUPPORT TO THE PROMOTION OF GENDER EQUALITY AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT IN SOMALILAND FUNDED EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

On 1st October 2014, USWO signed a new project on "Support to the promotion of gender equality and women's empowerment in Somalia/land funded by the European Union (EU) to Minority Rights Group International (MRG) and managed by and in partnership with IIDA Women's Development Organization (IIDA).

AWARENESS DRAMA PROJECT ON UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS CROSSING THROUGH SOMALILAND

Looking for a better life and many other reasons irregular migrants from Ethiopia and South Central Somalia cross the Gulf of Aden into Yemen while a large number of migrants from Somaliland go through Ethiopia and Sudan to reach Libya and Mediterranean Sea to Italy through. As both routes are dangerous and risk-full, robbery, rape, detention, torture and human rights abuses.  On the journey, some of the migrants die in the sea, others disappear while few saved migrants face hazardous working conditions, refused promised wages and physical abuse.

MARYAM MURSAL: SOMALI LEGENDARY MUSIC, VOCALS AND COMPOSER IN REAL WORLD RECORDS

Maryam Mursal was born in January 1, 1950; grew up in Somalia in a Muslim family with four daughters and has been active in somali music since 1980s.

As a teenager, she broke with tradition and began singing professionally in Mogadishu. She performed in nightclubs and her brand of music, featuring a mix of blues, soul, Somali and Arabic influences, and known as Somali jazz, became popular across the country. Performing primarily solo, she also collaborated with Waaberi, a 300-member music and dance troupe associated with the Somali National Theatre. Later, after having criticized Somalia's then ruling military government, she was banned from singing for two years, and made her living driving a taxi.

During the subsequent civil war in her homeland, Mursal and her five children moved to neighbouring Djibouti, where she found asylum in the Danish embassy. It was this odyssey that provided the germ of her solo recording The Journey, with guitars, sequencers and back-up vocals from Peter Gabriel.

THE SITUATION OF INTERNALLY DISPLACED MINORITIES IN SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA.

Somalia has witnessed over two decades of conflict, violence, human rights violations and natural disasters, all of which have triggered repeated waves of displacement. Although the first half of 2013 saw less new displacement than in previous years, there are still an estimated 1.1 million Somalis who are internally displaced. Most IDPs continue to live in dire conditions in protracted displacement, and prospects for durable solutions remain distant for many of them. For more information please visit: http://www.internal-displacement.org/africa/somalia/2013/solutions-for-idps-revealed-as-key-for-future-peace-and-stability-in-somalia/