POPULATION MOVEMENT TRACKING IASC Somalia – Protection Cluster

1. POPULATION MOVEMENT TRACKINGIASC Somalia – Protection Cluster January – September 2006

2. POPULATION MOVEMENT TRACKING The population movement tracking exercise emerged as an outcome of the drought situation to monitor population movements to respond appropriately. The initiative is ongoing with local and international partners monitoring and reporting movement since January. The monitoring initiative forms part of the Protection Monitoring Network and has now been broadened in scope to cover other issues such as movement and displacement due to conflict, floods and inter-clan conflict. The monitoring exercise is limited not only within Somalia but also focuses on Cross Border Movement to assess impact of drought / conflict / floods on the affected population. Though the tracking initiative began with a focus on South Central, it has now been expended to areas beyond South Central to Puntland and Somaliland to monitor displacements and violations.

3. OBJECTIVES OF POPULATION TRACKING • Monitor and analyze population movements to better understand movement patterns/trends and urgent needs of the displaced as a result of conflict, floods, drought etc. • Support and coordinate with other clusters to improve operational planning and the equitable access of assistance, social services and protection for the displaced and affected population, incorporating the concept of "Do No Harm". • Within the context of a broader ‘Protection Monitoring Network’ monitor new displacements and understand protection concerns and coping mechanisms of those displaced. • Support an ‘Early Warning System’ and to receive indications related to new displacements and coping mechanisms, particularly in the context of resource-based conflicts and related protection needs of the affected populations. • Assist in building the capacity partner organisations to identify needs and uphold the rights of the affected. • Advocacy at all levels to improve "humanitarian access" and increase "humanitarian space" needed for an effective and coordinated response to the displaced population.

4. METHODOLOGY • Local partners (30) and other agencies to monitor and report on population movement according to an established format on a regular basis to UNHCR. • Compilation of the findings, analysis/report preparation and mapping of the information on a biweekly/monthly basis to record and track population movement. • Ongoing capacity building of local partners to report and use the grid system. • Dissemination of key findings to various agencies for planning, response and advocacy. • The information to be filed and entered into the database in UNHCR Somalia.

5. KEY ACTIVITIES FOR PARTNERS • Monitor and observe the movement of people in areas of operation; • Compile findings and report to UNHCR Somalia as and when the movement occurs stating reasons and urgent needs of the displaced; • Maintain regular and direct contact with community members and host population to obtain regular information on the situation; • Collect information through secondary sources such as elders, media, local leaders etc; • Travel to areas where there are reports of displacement to gather information; • Conduct interviews and focus group discussions with the affected population as well as other host/community members or elders to gather information; • Coordinate and share information among various tracking partners located in the same area to avoid duplication and respond effectively. • Undertake emergency monitoring when requested by UNHCR Somalia

6. Tracking Form

10. Why a Grid Reference system?

11. Received from one of our partners: “130 people moved from: Hafatul-Arab, Bosasso, Bari region to Waberi, Garowe, Nugul region”

20. Population Movement Tracking