Date of publication:

04/09/2025

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies prohibit forced or compulsory labour?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration have established legal provisions that explicitly prohibit forced or compulsory labor, aligning with international labor standards such as those set out in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 29. National laws in both jurisdictions affirm that all individuals, regardless of status, have the right to freely chosen work and are protected from exploitation, coercion, and any form of involuntary labor. These legal protections extend to refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and minority groups, underscoring a formal commitment to safeguarding human dignity and labor rights.

In Somalia, the Labor Code prohibits forced labor under any circumstances, while Somaliland’s Constitution and labor regulations include similar prohibitions against coercive work practices. The laws also empower relevant ministries and labor inspectorates to oversee labor conditions and address violations. While enforcement remains a challenge due to limited institutional capacity and the informal nature of much of the labor market, the existence of these legal provisions serves as an important framework for advocacy, monitoring, and protection. Government agencies, in coordination with humanitarian and human rights organizations, continue to engage in awareness-raising, community outreach, and policy dialogue aimed at strengthening compliance and preventing forced labor, particularly among vulnerable populations. These legal measures reflect a foundational commitment to eradicating forced labor and promoting fair and ethical employment practices across both Somalia and Somaliland.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Constitution of Somalia
    • Year: 2012
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
    • Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2012/en/97615

    Legal provision

    Article 14 - Slavery, Servitude and Forced Labour

    A person may not be subjected to slavery, servitude, trafficking, or forced labour for any purpose

    Labor Code of Somalia

    Legal provision

    Article 6 - Freedom of Labour

    Forced or compulsory labour is forbidden in any form.

    Article 90 - Prohibited Work

    The term 'children' means persons of either sex who have not attained the age of 15 years and the term 'young persons' means those who have attained the age of 15 years but have not attained the age of 18 years.

    Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland
    • Year: 2001
    • Type: Domestic law
    • Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
    • Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/legislation/natlegbod/2001/en/72769

    Legal provision

    Article 20 - Work, Trade, and the Welfare of Employees

    1. All able citizens have a right and a duty to work. The state shall, therefore, be responsible for the creation of work and the facilitating of the skills training of employees. 2. The conditions of work of the young and women, night working and working establishments shall be regulated by the Labour Law. 3. All employees have a right to payment appropriate to the work they undertake, and are free to enter into agreements with their employers on an individual or collective basis. Forced labour is prohibited. 4. The state shall endeavour to create understanding and clear rights between employees and employers and shall accordingly introduce a law (in this respect). 5. Sate employees and members of the armed forces shall be entitled remuneration for their duties and to payments for sickness, injury, or disability in accordance with the law. 6. The state shall promote the support systems, insurance and safety of employees and shall strengthen the relevant responsible bodies