FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 12 March 2026
URGENT APPEAL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
To Save Millions from Drought, Conflict, and Famine in Somalia
Hargeisa, Somalia — The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD) expresses grave concern over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation across Somalia and issues an urgent appeal to the international community to mobilize immediate support to prevent a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe.
This appeal is issued by CSHRD in response to mounting evidence of the devastating effects of prolonged drought, armed conflict, and worsening food insecurity affecting millions of Somalis.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
Available humanitarian data and reports, including information released by the Somalia Disaster Management Agency, highlight alarming trends:
Over 4.4 million people are facing acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher), representing a significant increase in humanitarian needs.
Approximately 2.5 million people in northern Somalia, across 26 districts, are suffering from severe drought that has devastated pastoral and agricultural livelihoods.
Ongoing conflicts in Hirshabelle State and Jubaland State have displaced more than 100,000 people, forcing families to flee their homes under extremely difficult conditions.
Nearly 1.7 million children under the age of five are suffering from acute malnutrition, including 466,000 cases of severe acute malnutrition, placing thousands of lives at immediate risk.
Less than 30% of the population has access to safe and reliable water sources, contributing to the spread of preventable diseases.
These conditions are pushing vulnerable populations—including internally displaced persons, women, children, and marginalized communities—toward extreme hardship and heightened protection risks.
Humanitarian and Human Rights Concerns
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders emphasizes that the unfolding situation is not only a humanitarian emergency but also a serious human rights crisis. The lack of access to food, water, healthcare, and shelter threatens fundamental rights, including the right to life, health, food, and human dignity.
Civil society organizations and human rights defenders continue to operate under extremely challenging conditions while supporting affected communities and advocating for urgent assistance.
CSHRD Call to Action
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders calls upon:
International donors and development partners
United Nations agencies
Regional and Gulf partners
International humanitarian organizations
The global private sector
to urgently scale up humanitarian funding and support an integrated emergency response across Somalia.
Priority interventions should include:
Emergency food assistance
Safe water and sanitation services
Healthcare and disease prevention
Nutrition programs for children and mothers
Protection and shelter for displaced communities
Preventing a Humanitarian Catastrophe
The humanitarian situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate rapidly. Without immediate and coordinated international action, millions of lives remain at risk.
The Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders stands ready to work with humanitarian actors, national institutions, and international partners to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those most in need while protecting the rights and dignity of Somali communities.
Media Contact:
Coalition of Somali Human Rights Defenders (CSHRD)
Website: www.cshrds.org�
Email: info@cshrds.org