A January 2012 report, compiled by Islamic Relief Worldwide, the Organization on Islamic Cooperation, The Humanitarian Forum and the Turkish Red Crescent, gives concrete recommendations to the international community to better address the crisis in Somalia. The report tells the stories of four families living in the Korsan camp near Mogadishu and places them in a wider context of the complex aid environment of Somalia. The report makes ten recommendations to “ensure that Somalia’s humanitarian needs are at the very top of the international agenda.”

  • Scale up diplomatic efforts to ensure full humanitarian access to all those in need

  • Prioritize a Somali-led negotiated solution to the conflict over further military escalation, to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid

  • End the politicization of aid, and ensure that the impartial delivery of aid is given priority over security considerations

  • Revise national anti-terror legislation that restricts humanitarian aid, particularly to populations residing in territories controlled by on one side of the conflict

  • Provide sufficient and timely aid

  • Focus aid on the areas of greatest need

  • Improve protection and support for refugees and displaced people

  • Improve early warning to ensure early action in the future

  • Invest more in recovery initiatives, disaster risk reduction and long-term solutions

  • Adopt an inclusive approach to conflict resolution that ensures that everybody in Somalia, including those previously marginalized, is heard in the peace process.