UNFPA Somalia

UNFPA Somalia Ensuring rights and choices for all.

Today, Somalia’s  Monitoring & Evaluation Dept met with UNFPA Somalia M&E team & leadership to explore collaboration.Foc...
01/10/2026

Today, Somalia’s Monitoring & Evaluation Dept met with UNFPA Somalia M&E team & leadership to explore collaboration.

Focus: evidence gap mapping, harmonizing M&E tools & standards, capacity building, joint monitoring, NTP evaluation, State plan reviews & international M&E forums.

UNFPA Rep Mr. Judicael Elidje stressed the importance of government using M&E evidence to inform reflection, planning & priority-setting.

In furtherance of the strategic partnership between UNFPA Somalia and WHO Somalia, Mr. Judicael Elidje UNFPA Representat...
01/10/2026

In furtherance of the strategic partnership between UNFPA Somalia and WHO Somalia, Mr. Judicael Elidje UNFPA Representative, and Dr Humphrey Karamagi, WHO Representative to , met to discuss joint priorities in support of Somalia’s health agenda. Discussions focused on maternal and newborn health, integrated service delivery, health information management systems (HMIS) and broader health-system strengthening.

As UNFPA implements its Country Programme 2026–2030, the engagement provides an opportunity to leverage the comparative strengths of both agencies in supporting Government efforts to build more integrated, resilient and sustainable health services.

A key priority is strengthening the link between data, policy and investment decisions. The recently released Somalia Socio-Demographic Survey 2026, produced by the Somali National Bureau of Statistics with UNFPA support, provides updated evidence on population dynamics, maternal and child health, fertility, mortality, displacement and socio-economic conditions. This evidence can help inform policy, service planning and investments based on population needs.

The two agencies also explored opportunities to strengthen the investment case for maternal, newborn and reproductive health, translating evidence into prioritized and costed interventions and demonstrating the health, social and economic returns of sustained investment in Somalia’s health system.

29/09/2026

Somalia's human rights commitments take another step forward.

At the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Somalia's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome was adopted, marking an important point in the country's ongoing engagement with the international human rights system.

The 2026 UPR process brought forward recommendations across a broad range of areas, including women's and girls' rights, health, access to justice, education, social protection, and protection from violence.

For UNFPA Somalia, advancing and upholding the rights and well-being of women and girls remains central to this agenda, including access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, protection from gender-based violence and female ge***al mutilation, and the realization of reproductive rights.

The UPR outcome provides an important framework for continued dialogue, implementation and partnership towards advancing human rights for all in Somalia.

Watch the video to learn more.

On  , Somalia’s commitment to expand contraceptive use from approximately 2% to 10% by 2030 is a call to turn commitment...
26/09/2026

On , Somalia’s commitment to expand contraceptive use from approximately 2% to 10% by 2030 is a call to turn commitment into action.

With 37% unmet need for family planning, sustained investment is essential to ensure women and couples can make voluntary, informed choices about their futures.

For every US$1 invested in family planning in Somalia, an estimated US$3.60 is returned.

UNFPA Somalia remains committed to working with the Government of Somalia, partners and communities to strengthen access to quality, voluntary family planning services.

Advancing the Abandonment of FGM in South West State 🇸🇴On Thursday, 24 September 2026, another strategic engagement took...
26/09/2026

Advancing the Abandonment of FGM in South West State 🇸🇴

On Thursday, 24 September 2026, another strategic engagement took place between the UNFPA Somalia Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje, and the Minister of Women, Family Affairs and Human Rights Development of South West State, H.E. Ms. Sahro Osman Ahmed.

The discussions focused on areas of mutual interest and reaffirmed a strong shared commitment to accelerating the abandonment of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), addressing harmful gender and social norms, and advancing the rights and protection of women and girls across South West State.

The ongoing work on the South West State FGM Bill represents an important opportunity to strengthen the legal and policy environment for ending FGM and other harmful practices, complemented by sustained engagement with communities, religious and traditional leaders, women, young people and civil society.

UNFPA will continue to support the Government of South West State in advancing these priorities, in line with the UNFPA Somalia Fifth Country Programme (2026–2030) and its focus on strengthening the capacities of government, civil society organizations and communities to address discriminatory gender and social norms and accelerate progress towards ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

🤝 Through strong government leadership and partnership, we can accelerate progress towards a South West State where every woman and girl can live with dignity, exercise her rights and reach her full potential—free from FGM and other harmful practices.

🌧️ Preparedness must reach people before the floods do.As Somalia prepares for  El Niño-related flooding, UNFPA is calli...
25/09/2026

🌧️ Preparedness must reach people before the floods do.

As Somalia prepares for El Niño-related flooding, UNFPA is calling for women and girls to be at the centre of anticipatory action.

At the quarterly, government-led Country Humanitarian Forum in Mogadishu, UNFPA Somalia Representative Judicael Elidje highlighted the need to ensure continued access to lifesaving maternal health, sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence services — before, during and after emergencies.

With flood-exposed areas potentially affecting an estimated 1.43 million people, UNFPA and partners are pre-positioning supplies, preparing midwives and mobile teams for rapid deployment, and strengthening GBV services in priority locations.

Read the full story: https://unf.pa/4yhLMi6

Today, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia convened the national validation workshop for Somalia’s Youth, Peace ...
21/09/2026

Today, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Somalia convened the national validation workshop for Somalia’s Youth, Peace and Security National Action Plan. The event was officially opened by HE Mohamed Abdikadir, Minister of Youth and Sports and brought together Director Generals from State Ministries of Youth and Sports, youth-led and women-led organizations, government representatives, and other key stakeholders.

The workshop provided an important platform for young people—particularly young women—and their organizations to review the draft Action Plan, share their experiences and priorities, and propose concrete recommendations. Their feedback will be incorporated into the draft, ensuring that the final National Action Plan reflects the realities, aspirations and diverse voices of Somalia’s youth.

UNFPA Somalia has been proud to support the Ministry throughout this important process—from stakeholder consultations and the development of the draft to today’s national validation. This support has been made possible through the generous contribution of the Government of Switzerland, through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that young people are not merely consulted, but are meaningfully engaged as partners and leaders in shaping the policies and programmes that affect their lives and their country’s future.

The National Action Plan will provide a strategic framework for translating Somalia’s commitments under the Youth, Peace and Security agenda into practical action—advancing youth participation in decision-making, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, social cohesion and sustainable development.

When young people are given the space, resources and opportunity to lead, they become powerful agents of peace and positive change. Today’s validation workshop marks another important step towards placing Somalia’s youth at the heart of the country’s peace and development journey.

UNFPA extends its appreciation to the Government of Switzerland and SDC for their generous contribution and continued investment in the leadership, participation and potential of Somalia’s young people.

UNFPA Somalia Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje, held a strategic discussion today with the Deputy Commissioner of the...
21/09/2026

UNFPA Somalia Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje, held a strategic discussion today with the Deputy Commissioner of the SODMA Somalia, Dr. Ahmed Abdi Adan, representing the Commissioner, Mr. Mahamoud Macalin Abdulle.

The discussion focused on strengthening government-led humanitarian coordination through the Country Humanitarian Forum; advancing the implementation of sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence prevention and response, adolescents and youth, and population data priorities within national anticipatory action and disaster risk reduction plans; and continuing to strengthen SoDMA’s technical and institutional capacity, particularly the Gender Desk established with UNFPA’s support.

UNFPA reaffirmed its commitment to working with SoDMA to strengthen national preparedness and humanitarian response and translate these priorities into concrete actions that address the needs of women, girls and young people.

Our Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje met with World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, Mr. Hideki Matsunaga. They disc...
15/09/2026

Our Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje met with World Bank Country Manager for Somalia, Mr. Hideki Matsunaga. They discussed common priorities and the opportunities to deepen the strategic partnership between both organizations under the new Country Programme 2026–2030.

The meeting focused on shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration across:
• Health system strengthening with the midwifery workforce;
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights and family planning
• Gender-based violence prevention and response
• Population data and evidence for decision-making
• Innovative financing mechanisms and partnership with the private sector
The conversation also underscored the importance of young people as agents of change. Investing in their leadership, empowerment, participation and potential will be critical to accelerating progress towards healthier, more equitable and resilient communities in Somalia.
UNFPA Somalia appreciates the positive engagement and looks forward to continued dialogue with the World Bank to translate shared priorities into action and sustainable results for Somalia.

UNFPA Somalia Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje, met with  Ms. Odile Robert, Head of Cooperation for the Horn of Afric...
15/09/2026

UNFPA Somalia Representative, Mr. Judicael Elidje, met with Ms. Odile Robert, Head of Cooperation for the Horn of Africa. During the meeting, he reaffirmed appreciation for Switzerland’s continued collaboration and support to UNFPA Somalia.

The discussion highlighted the impact of Switzerland’s support to vulnerable women and girls in Somalia through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). This support delivers integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) services, raises awareness to end Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), and supports the development of the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) National Action Plan.

The meeting also underscored the importance of preparedness for climate shocks, including El Niño, and sustainability as a key objective for ensuring continuity of essential services and lasting impact.

Address

Office Of The UNDP Res. Rep. For Somalia
Nairobi
28832

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