The UN Refugee Agency needs to do more to protect Somalis fleeing conflict in Djibouti.

Overview
Djibouti, a small country strategically located in the horn of Africa, has long been a refuge for migrants from allover the region, partly as a transit point to the Arabian Peninsula lying just 30 kilometers across the Red Sea, but also because of its relative peace and stability.

Current Humanitarian Situation
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, thousands of Somalis and Ethiopians came to Djibouti fleeing conflict, instability and oppressive regimes. The number of refugees declined over the subsequent years as some were able to return home. The intensification of the conflict in Somalia since January 2007 has led to a steady increase in the number of refugees from south and central Somalia, who are granted prima facie recognition from the Djibouti government. Today, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees cares for more than 8,700 refugees, more than 90% of them from Somalia.

The vast majority of refugees stay in the Ali Addeh camp, in a remote and isolated location a three-hour drive away from Djibouti city. UNHCR’s focus has been almost exclusively on providing services in the camp, and has neglected refugees who live in Djibouti city. Apart from a few hundred who benefit from individual assistance, the urban refugee population has been virtually ignored. UNHCR, in partnership with other agencies, must conduct a public outreach campaign in Djibouti city to assess the number of urban asylum seekers, identify their protection needs, and design programs around those needs.

Action Needed
UNHCR Djibouti should maintain daily protection staff presence in the Ali Addeh camp, and start an outreach program for urban refugees.