UNHCR reps visit the Peaceful Coexistence Centre
The UNHCR Somalia Deputy Representative Takeshi Moriyama and UNHCR Hargeisa Head of Office Xhemil Shahu, visited the Peaceful Coexistence Centre (PCC) in Hargeisa on 13th May 2018.
They were accompanied by other senior UNHCR Staff from Mogadishu. The objective of the visit was to experience and understand first hand the operations at the PCC, and how it is supporting refugees, internally displace people, returnees and the host community.
Right to left: AAH-I Hargeisa Programme Manager Anthony Esenu, UNHCR Somalia Deputy Representative Takeshi Moriyama, UNHCR Hargeisa Head of Office Xhemil Shahu, UNHCR Mogadishu staff and UNHCR Senior Field Assistant Mohamed Abdi Bakal
The PCC is managed by the Somalia Country Programme of Action Africa Help International (AAH-I) with funding support from UNHCR. The PCC is part of AAH-I’s investment in the operation for community programs that address social cohesion between displaced people and the host community, and that improve the environment for tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The PCC is a hub where communities can have:
- Training on good governance, human rights and conflict management
- Psychological and legal support
- Training on various vocational and language skills
- Access to a library resource at the Centre.
- Opportunity for social interactions, especially on cultural days
UNHCR Somalia Deputy Representative Takeshi Moriyama (left) and UNHCR Hargeisa Head of Office Xhemil Shahu (2nd left) with AAH-I staff at the PCC’s playgroup room
The team visited the Centre’s library, playgroup area and classrooms. Some suggestions from the UNHCR mission include future consideration to
- Provide meals for the children at the Centre
- Increase the number of members of the host community taking part in projects at the PCC to 50% (of total project participants)
- Put up more shades to increase the size of the waiting bay and activity areas
- Test creative solutions and models to support refugees, asylum seekers, returnees and internally displaced people to set up and engage in viable businesses, including partnering with the private sector.
In 2017 alone, at least 12,000 people benefitted from legal, psychological and training support at the PCC.