Frequently asked questions: Our work in Somalia

The ICRC helps people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence. In Somalia, we are present in areas most affected by conflict, working closely with communities and our local partner, the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS). 

Together, we support affected communities in accessing clean water, healthcare (including physical rehabilitation services), and emergency assistance during crises. We also help families secure a living through livelihood programmes and promote respect for international humanitarian law to better protect civilians.

We understand humanitarian needs are immense in Somalia. While we work to reach as many people as possible, we cannot be everywhere. In line with our mandate, we prioritize communities affected by armed conflict and also consider access to reach those in remote areas, where other humanitarian organizations are not present. 

The ICRC and the SRCS are both part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and guided by the same Fundamental Principles. We work closely together, but our roles are different. The ICRC has an international mandate to protect and assist people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence, while the SRCS focuses on humanitarian activities within Somalia. Ultimately, we work closely together to reach people in need. 

We are sorry to hear that a loved one needs urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, the ICRC does not provide medical treatment or referrals. However, we support local health facilities and rehabilitation services so that more people can access healthcare in conflict-affected areas. In Somalia, the ICRC supports four major hospitals in Mogadishu, Kismayo, and Jowhar, while the SRCS runs 88 health clinics and three physical rehabilitation centres in Mogadishu, Galkayo, and Hargeisa.

People deprived of their liberty have rights and must be treated humanely. The ICRC visits places of detention to assess detainees' treatment and living conditions. We discuss our findings confidentially with the authorities and work with them to improve conditions where needed.

Read more.

We acknowledge how difficult and distressing the situation can be, and how worried you may be for your safety and that of your loved ones. Regretfully, the ICRC is not able to help individuals or groups leave Somalia, nor can we provide financial or logistical support to travel to other countries. In some situations, we can help families separated by conflict restore contact with one another.

For more information, please visit our Family Links website.

No. The Red Cross does not refer to the Christian cross. Together with the Red Crescent and the Red Crystal, it is a protective emblem recognized under international law. These emblems are not religious symbols and are simply used to identify humanitarian workers including those caring for the sick and wounded during armed conflict.

We carefully assess the needs of people affected by conflict and follow strict procedures to ensure that assistance goes to the right people. We maintain direct access to communities throughout an entire project cycle. People are identified strictly on a needs basis rather than through community targeting. We also register and distribute assistance together with our local partner, the SRCS. 

If you observe any diversion of assistance, please report to the ICRC’s feedback line by dialling 373 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Sunday to Friday. You can directly talk to our team or leave a recorded message outside these hours and we will call you back. 

Yes. We understand that this may raise questions, but in order to carry out its humanitarian mission and to be able to access people in need wherever they may be, the ICRC maintains dialogue with all parties to a conflict. This allows us to negotiate access, remind them of their obligations under international humanitarian law, and help protect civilians.

We understand this may be a little confusing. The ICRC is neutral, meaning it does not take sides in a conflict. Speaking to all parties to a conflict is essential for reaching people in need, protecting families living in conflict zones, visiting detainees, and carrying out our humanitarian work. 

Dialogue does not mean endorsement or support.

The ICRC does not take positions on political or territorial matters. Our role is purely humanitarian – to help people affected by armed conflict and other situations of violence wherever there are humanitarian needs.

No. The ICRC is an independent, neutral, and impartial humanitarian organization. While we often coordinate with the UN and other organizations, we are not part of the United Nations.

The ICRC hires both national and international staff. In Somalia, only 46 out of 350 staff are foreigners. We recruit foreign staff when specialized technical skills and experience are required or when sensitive protection work, such as detention visits, needs to be handled independently to reduce risks for national staff.

If you’re interested in working with us, we encourage you to apply when positions are available. We recruit both national and international staff, and vacancies are regularly advertised on our blog (available in both English and Somali) and our website. If your skills match the requirements, you’ll go through a selection process that includes a written test and an HR interview.

Alternatively, you can also join the SRCS as a volunteer. Contact the nearest SRCS branch for details.