2.4 Impact of evictions on the general population and vulnerable minority groups

Evictions, also referred to as ‘secondary displacements’, disproportionally affect IDP populations.197 Evicted households are faced with limited or no viable options, and may relocate to other eviction-prone or insecure locations, which could subject them to further risks of eviction and displacement.198 Others may find their way to other IDP sites.199 Having been previously evicted increases the chances of being evicted again, further undermining the person’s stability and dignity.200 For most IDPs, returning to their original home is not a real option, either because of on-going violence and conflict, or because of other challenges.201

Forced evictions are mostly unlawful, violent, and emotionally traumatic, including for family stability and children well-being. Evictees’ possessions, livelihoods, and sources of income are often damaged, destroyed, disrupted, and further dislocated, while exacerbating chronic poverty and insecurity issues. Moreover, forced evictions severely impact adult physical and mental health, including fear, despair, and anxiety.202 Additionally, lack of hygiene and of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as overcrowding in unsanitary conditions, often resulting in open defecation and drinking of unclean water, easing the outbreak of infectious diseases.203

As reported by the NRC, ‘forced evictions intensify inequality, social conflict, segregation and invariably affect the poorest, most socially and economically vulnerable and marginalized sectors of society, especially women, children, minorities, elderly and people with disabilities’.204

Minority or marginalised groups are particularly vulnerable to evictions. They lack strong connections and are not in a position to negotiate with those claiming back their land.205 According to a 2021 study on the impacts of forced evictions in Mogadishu, respondents indicated that, while minority groups were more vulnerable, clan status did not prevent evictions.206

Evictions are extremely costly also for the humanitarian sector, with aid invested in supporting IDPs communities and their basic services (including latrines, shelters, water facilities, school) basically wasted as a consequence of them.207 A 2022 NRC study indicated that the monetary value of the loss caused by eviction incidents that had taken place in Mogadishu between January and October 2022 amounted to almost USD 3.4 m, roughly half of which sustained by the humanitarian sector and the other half by the hosting community. More in detail, Mogadishu suffered the destruction of almost 6 000 latrines, 10 schools and temporary learning centres, 24 Quranic schools, two health and nutrition centre, one MCH facility, 41 water points, and 86 community centres, among others.208