The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Somalia has stated that the ongoing conflict in the city of Baidoa is exacerbating the humanitarian situation and compromising the protection of civilians.
Clashes in Baidoa during August and September have resulted in persistent insecurity, safety risks, fresh displacement, and limited access to basic services, according to a statement issued by the Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia, George Conway.
Conway noted that women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, as they face additional challenges regarding safety, access to aid, and freedom of movement.
He stated that repeated displacement is undermining the resilience of families, particularly as Baidoa was already grappling with high, long-standing levels of child malnutrition. The United Nations official called on all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law, urging them to take measures to prevent harm to the civilian population.
OCHA also called for prompt and impartial investigations into reports of civilian casualties and for civilians to be granted safe access to humanitarian aid and essential services.
George Conway noted that schools and other civilian sites must be protected, while hospitals and health facilities enjoy special protection under international law.
Humanitarian agencies stated that they would continue to provide life-saving assistance but called on all parties to ensure the safety of aid workers and humanitarian assets, and to facilitate safe, rapid, and unimpeded access to conflict-affected populations.
