The diversion of humanitarian aid has long been a critical issue in Somalia and in all the Federal Member States (FMS), undermining efforts to support vulnerable populations.
To address this, Southwest State enacted the “Safeguarding Humanitarian Assistance Bill”, a landmark initiative aimed at ensuring aid reaches its intended beneficiaries without interference or misappropriation.
Abdinasir Abdi Arush, the State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, emphasized the importance of this legislation, explaining that it introduces strict measures for accountability, transparency, and oversight in the distribution and use of humanitarian assistance.
The bill seeks to enhance monitoring mechanisms to track aid distribution and delivery while establishing penalties for individuals or entities involved in diverting aid.
It will foster collaboration with humanitarian organizations to streamline processes and mitigate risks in addition to ensuring equitable access to assistance, prioritizing the most vulnerable groups.
This initiative reflects Southwest State’s commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and addressing systemic challenges in aid delivery, contributing to greater trust between communities, aid providers, and the government.
