08 · Methodology, safeguarding and accountability
Our credibility depends on how we work.
Work with survivors of conflict, terrorism, displacement, and environmental disaster carries a serious responsibility to protect dignity, safety, privacy, and choice. Participation must be voluntary, informed, and safe. Survivors retain control over whether and how their experiences are shared, and may withdraw consent at any time.
Accountability is an ongoing practice. MAANKAAL will listen to feedback, respond to concerns, learn from mistakes, and adapt so that its work remains respectful, relevant, and trusted.
How we work
- Survivor-centred and trauma-informed: survivors shape design and delivery; facilitation avoids re-traumatisation.
- Voluntary, informed and revocable consent for all participation and storytelling.
- Ethical storytelling: stories are told with dignity, and storytellers control how they are used.
- Conflict sensitivity and clan balance: engagement is impartial and balanced across clans and interests.
- Community ownership: activities are locally owned and led, not externally imposed.
Safeguarding commitments and status
| Commitment | Status |
|---|---|
| Safeguarding policy | Drafted |
| Child protection policy | Approved |
| Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse & Harassment (PSEA) | In place |
| Data protection & information handling | In place |
| Referral pathways to clinical & protection services | In place |
| MEAL framework | Drafted |
| Feedback & complaints mechanism | Drafted |
| Safeguarding / PSEA focal point | To be assigned |
References and data sources
- OCHA, Somalia Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2026 (January 2026). People in need (4.8 million) and IPC food-insecurity figures (Oct–Dec 2025).
- OCHA, Somalia Humanitarian Needs Overview / Response Plans 2023, 2024 and 2025. People-in-need series (8.25m, 6.9m, 5.98m).
- OCHA, Somalia Monthly Humanitarian Update, May 2026.
- IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification), Somalia analyses 2025–2026, as cited in OCHA HNRP 2026.
- UNHCR Somalia (Protection & Solutions Monitoring Network), displacement updates 2025–2026.
- European Commission, Civil Protection & Humanitarian Aid — Somalia country page (February 2026).
- UNFPA, Somalia Country Programme Document (DP/FPA/CPD/SOM/5), 2025. Population 18.6 million (2025); 75% under 30; 46% under 15.
- Salad, A. M., Malik, S. M. M. R., Ndithia, J. M., Noor, Z., Madeo, M., & Ibrahim, M. (2023). Prevalence of mental disorders and psychological trauma among conflict-affected population in Somalia: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health, 11, 1219992.
- Federal Government of Somalia, Ministry of Health, Somali Mental Health Strategy 2019–2022.