Summary of CLG report : 'The Somali Muslim Community in England - Understanding Muslim Ethnic Communities'

The Somali community report builds on the existing evidence base on the community, with a focus on population distribution, identity, links with the country of origin, and Somali Civil society in England.

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Ø The most recent Somali migration started in the late 1980s, with large numbers of refugees fleeing war and political unrest in Somalia. Since 2000 Somalis settled in other European countries have started to settle in the UK, particularly from Scandinavia, though the numbers of this group are unavailable. It is one of the top five largest Muslim ethnic communities in England with an estimated population of well over 100,000 Somalis. There are significant Somali communities in Birmingham, Bolton, Hull, Liverpool, London, Leicester, Manchester and Sheffield.

Ø The vast majority are Sunni Muslims, and predominantly followers of the Shafi School of Islam. The main language spoken is Somali, with small numbers of Chiwmini and Arabic speakers. Many Somalis have English language difficulties, especially women, which prevents them from gaining well paid employment and fully integrating into UK life. Somali born migrants have the lowest employment rate of all immigrants in the UK and levels of education within the community are also low, with 50 per cent having no qualifications and only 3 per cent having higher education qualifications.

Ø Somalis are traditionally tight knit with very strong kinship and family structures. Clans play a central role in Somali society, politics and identity formation and the system continues to have an impact on the community in England. However, there is evidence of increasing family breakdown, with more women taking on single parent roles. Youth crime and vulnerability to negative influences is a key concern.

Ø Most Somalis in the UK have been parted from family due to war and there is an ongoing concern about the political situation, and how the lack of peace and stability in Somalia impacts on the welfare of family, friends and others left behind. Many Somalis abroad are the main providers for their relatives left behind in Somalia.

Ø Despite a long historical presence in the UK, Somali community organisations lack the capacity of the more settled community organisation, with whom they have to compete with for funding and support. There is also no strong collective voice for the significant Somali communities across the country and the impact and influence of organisations does not often extend beyond their local area. Engagement with public authorities is low and thought to be worsened by the perceived tendency of authorities to only involve the older and better established black and minority ethnic communities in community consultation and involvement processes.

Specific recommendations arising from interviews with community respondents include:

· Targeted funding and capacity building support which organisations can access without having to compete with the larger South Asian and black Caribbean organisations.

· Improving engagement by identifying and working with those community organisations that have the capability and understanding needed to communicate and can engage equally with both local authorities and Somali communities.

· Support for the development of a collective representative forum for the Somali community in the UK and for the development of stronger partnerships and networking between authorities and communities.

· Direct recognition of Somalis in local consultations and decision making forums without being ignored in the broader ‘black and minority ethnic’ label.

· Educational opportunities, facilities and premises for young people.

· Funding and support for the establishment of Somali women’s organisations.

· Employment training and language support for all adult members of the community.