Increasing needs
The humanitarian situation in Somalia is worsening due to consistent failure of rain in certain periods and increasing floods in other periods, further leading to crop failures and widespread shortage of water and pasture, consequently resulting in livestock deaths and worsening food security levels across Somalia.
To date, over 8.25 million people, nearly half of Somalia’s population, require immediate life-saving humanitarian and protection assistance. Over 4.5 million people are in need of emergency water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance. Poor access to safe drinking water and lack of adequate sanitation facilities coupled with poor hygiene practices are major threats for the survival and development of affected populations in Somalia.

Approach of the Netherlands
The agenda of The Grand Bargain is key to the humanitarian approach of the Netherlands. Humanitarian assistance should be conducted as much as possible through local and national organisations. Transparency and simplicity in information and reporting is essential. Humanitarian assistance remains a priority for the Netherlands, but when and wherever possible, long term solutions should take precedence. That is why humanitarian, development, and peace actors increasingly connect and find a common approach. Humanitarian experts in the field of flood preparedness and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) contribute directly to needs on the ground, made possible by funding from the Dutch Surge Support.

Dutch Relief Alliance
The Dutch Relief Alliance is an alliance of the international NGOs Plan International, World Vision and ICCO. In cooperation with several national NGOs, they conduct joint humanitarian response in Somalia. One of the advantages of this approach is increased coordination, innovative solutions and a localised approach. The Dutch Relief Alliance is currently active in Sanaag, Sool, Woqooyi Galbeed, Kismayo and Mudug regions.