Core activities include: Food distribution, Shelter, Edu

cation, Protection, Water and Sanitation

By: Astrid Sehl/NRC

Somalilandsun - NRC and humanitarian partners have NRC food distribution in Burao/photo by Astridlaunched a USD1.3 billion appeal to meet people's acute needs in Somalia next year.

For the first time in history, the Consolidated Humanitarian Appeal (CAP) for Somalia/ Somaliland was launched in the country's capital, Mogadishu this week. Also for the first time, the CAP will be covering three years instead of one.

With 3.8 million people in need of assistance, the humanitarian crisis in Somalia is one of the largest in the world.

More than 1.3 million people are internally displaced and over 1 million Somalis are refugees in neighbouring countries. The 2013-2015 humanitarian strategy targets immediate humanitarian needs and aims to enhance resilience and address the protracted nature of the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. The appeal for 2013 is USD1.3 billion for 369 humanitarian projects, implemented by national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and UN agencies operating in Somalia.

NRC has applied for $153 million for the three years covering the CAP. For next year alone, NRC aims at providing humanitarian assistance to 685,000 internally displaced Somalis in the sectors of Education, Shelter, Food security, Non-Food Items, Water, sanitation and hygiene, and Information, Counselling and Legal assistance. The key strategic direction of each project is gradual transition from emergency support towards durable solutions.

NRC in Somalia

NRC seeks to assist with urgent needs like protection shelter education and food photo Astrid SehlNRC has worked in Somalia since 2004 and is currently present in Hargeisa and Burao in Somaliland, Bossaso, Galkayo and Garowe in Puntland, and Mogadishu in South Central Somalia. NRC plans to expand into new areas in 2013. NRC's 220 national and 15 international employees implement projects directly and in collaboration with local partners. NRC cooperates with Somali/Somaliland authorities, UN, international and national NGOs.

For more information, see NRC's CAP fact sheet in English or Somali www.nrc.no

Or http://www.nrc.no/arch/_img/9666447.pdf