Country: Somalia Source: Inter-Agency Standing Committee Somalia Please refer to the attached file. The 2024 SEA Joint Risk Assessment (JRA) provides a comprehensive baseline analysis of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) risks across Somalia’s humanitarian and development sectors. Conducted as part of the UNICEF Somalia Country Office’s support to the PSEA Network’s 2024 Action Plan, the assessment evaluates vulnerabilities, response mechanisms, and organisational capacities within a highly complex and dynamic environment. The findings underscore the persistent challenges of SEA in a context marked by conflict, displacement, and socio-economic disparities, emphasizing the urgent need for robust, context-specific interventions. Key SEA risks include: Enabling Environment: The fragmented legal framework for addressing SEA, coupled with limited enforcement of SEA-related laws, and insufficient PSEA awareness among government institutions hinder effective prevention and response. Additionally, cultural norms, stigma, and power imbalances further contribute to the survivor silence. Operational and Humanitarian Contexts: Aid delivery mechanisms, such as cash and food distribution, livelihood programs, and recruitment processes, present high SEA risk points. Vulnerable groups, especially displaced women, girls, and persons with disabilities, are disproportionately affected. Reporting Mechanisms: Despite the availability of multiple channels, barriers such as fear of retaliation, distrust in systems, and cultural stigma significantly hinder community and staff reporting. Safe, accessible, and confidential mechanisms remain inconsistent. Protective Environment: Weak investigation capacities, gaps in inter-agency coordination, and limited training on SEA handling for GBV/CP service providers undermine accountability and survivor support. Recommendations Strengthening Legal and Institutional Frameworks: Advocate for the adoption and enforcement of comprehensive SEA-related legislation, including the Sexual Offences Bill. Establish dedicated PSEA units within government institutions and humanitarian organisations. Enhancing Community Awareness and Engagement: Develop tailored, culturally sensitive awareness campaigns, focusing on the rights of beneficiaries and standards of conduct for aid workers. Invest in interactive communication methods, such as community dialogues and radio messaging, to overcome literacy barriers. Improving Reporting and Accountability Mechanisms: Scale up the availability and quality of safe, accessible reporting channels for both staff and communities. Strengthen inter-agency referral pathways and ensure alignment with GBV and CP service SOPs. Capacity Building: Increase training for GBV/CP staff on SEA-specific needs, aligned with the UN Victim Assistance Protocol. Ensure consistent PSEA-focused training for humanitarian personnel at all levels, emphasizing ethical conduct and survivor-cantered approaches. Resource Allocation: Mobilize funding for SEA prevention and response efforts, particularly for underrepresented regions and vulnerable groups. Enhance investigative capacities through dedicated resources and expertise-sharing among agencies. Conclusion This SEA Joint Risk Assessment underscores the multifaceted risks of exploitation in Somalia’s humanitarian landscape, shaped by structural inequalities, cultural norms, and operational challenges. To address these vulnerabilities, an integrated approach combining legal reform, community engagement, capacity building, and resource mobilization is essential. Ensuring accountability, fostering trust, and prioritizing survivor dignity will be critical to advancing the protection of vulnerable populations and upholding the principles of humanitarian aid. The recommendations provided aim to guide PSEA Network members including UNICEF and her partners in implementing evidence-based strategies, ultimately fostering a safer and more accountable environment for aid delivery in Somalia.