UN Special Representative visits Somaliland

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The UN Special Representative for Somalia James Swan has paid a working visit to Hargeisa, SL capital with officials from other parts- the UN family with operations in Somaliland. The UN Special Representative James Swan while speaking to the press in Hargeisa noted that the UN World Food Program is ready to invest in safety net food systems enhancement and livelihoods through the most hard times and better times.

UN Support is wide ranging, it includes humanitarian and development help and my colleagues and I were able to see some of that support. First hand with a visit to a World Food Program operated nutrition and medical center.

Speaking on the humanitarian assistance to the refugees, Mr. Swan noted that the UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is mandated to guide the right programs that complement and built on its humanitarian relief portfolio including through the provisions of food relief nutrition, and school feeding which support hundreds and thousands of food insecure people.

James said: ” We are very pleased to be able to discuss the work of the UN in SL in helping to address practical issues affecting the people of Somaliland. Our partnership dates back to 1991 and we have renewed our commitment since then and equipping health centers including Hargeisa, and Berbera hospitals and offering business grants and vocational trainings. To date 18 permanent water systems have been built and rehabilitated across SL reaching over 200, 000 people and this in addition to UN Habitat Programs supported by the European Union to construct the new pipeline for Gedeeble well field to Hargeisa, and the well-being of refugees and other displaced people and this we continue with renewed interest.”

In Somaliland last year, the activities of the UNHCR encompasses education, healthcare, livelihoods and shelter among other sectors.

While speaking on recurrent climatic shock, he said UNICEF has been working with SL authorities to build resilience among communities in drought prone areas.

Specifically UNHCR has provided support in rehabilitating equipment schools.

The UN Special Representative James Swan was accompanied by the country director of the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), the representative office of UN Higher Commissioner for Refugees and the country manger for women program.

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