As at 2007, the UN estimated that there were 370,000- 400,000 IDPs in Somalia representing more than 5% of the total population of 6.8 million. These IDPs form a group of chronically vulnerable people who lack even the most basic protection and essential services; conditions being among the worst in Africa.

There are about 35,000 IDPs in Puntland of which 22,000 in Bossaso, a coastal town with high exposure to human security challenges. The Joint Programme on Protection, Reintegration, and Resettlement of IDPs project aims to improve human security and living standards and provide durable solutions for reintegration and resettlement of IDPs and returnees in Somalia, with a particular focus on IDPs currently in Bossaso, North-east Somalia.

The project aims to apply the UN Joint Strategy to Address the Needs of IDPs in Somalia in assisting IDPs in Bossaso and providing:

1) Better protection for IDPs in temporary and permanent settlements, as evidenced by protection of human rights against physical violence and against fire

2) Improved living conditions in existing and temporary settlements, as evidenced by an upgrade of temporary settlements, improved access to basic services, and access to immediate income generating opportunities by implementation through community works schemes

3) Durable solutions for livelihoods, resettlement and reintegration, as evidenced by local resettlement and integration solutions in Bossaso as well as resettlement and integration solutions in alternative rural and coastal locations.

The project was conceived as a Joint Programme by five implementing UN partners –UNHABITAT, UNICEF, FAO, UNHCR and UNDP-- and is levered by recently strengthened UN capacities for field-based coordination of humanitarian assistance. It is funded from the UN Human Security Trust Fund which is administered by UNOCHA.