Date of publication:
01/07/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide for specialized forms of education tailored to the needs of forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have established domestic laws and education policies that support specialized education services for children with disabilities, reinforcing principles of inclusive education and equal access to learning opportunities. These frameworks, overseen by the respective Ministries of Education, emphasize the integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools wherever possible, while also supporting the development of specialized programs, adapted curricula, and teacher training in inclusive pedagogy. Policies promote the provision of assistive learning materials and the development of accessible infrastructure to accommodate physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.
For internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee-returnees with disabilities, these legal commitments are complemented by initiatives led by UN agencies and NGOs that work in partnership with education authorities. These programs deliver tailored interventions such as disability assessments, rehabilitative services, and community-based learning models to ensure continuity of education for children with disabilities, even in displacement contexts. Mobile learning units, inclusive temporary learning spaces, and teacher capacity-building are also part of broader strategies to address barriers specific to displaced children with disabilities. Together, these legal frameworks and operational efforts reflect a commitment by both Somalia and Somaliland to uphold the rights of all children—including those with disabilities and affected by displacement—by creating inclusive, responsive, and supportive learning environments in line with international standards such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusive Education (SEND and IE) Policy
- Year: 2018
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Education
- Link to external source: https://moe.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/SEND-IE-THE-FEDERAL-GOVERNMENT-OF-SOMALIA-copy.pdf
Legal provision
Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusive Education (SEND and IE) Policy - Generic
Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusive Education (SEND and IE) Policy - Generic
Education Sector Strategic Plan
- Year: 2018
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Education
- Link to external source: https://education-profiles.org/sub-saharan-africa/somalia/~inclusion
Legal provision
phasizes th - Generic
phasizes th - Generic
Inclusive Education Department
- Year: 2018
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Education
- Link to external source: https://moe.govsomaliland.org/article/inclusive-education
Legal provision
Inclusive Education Department - Generic
Inclusive Education Department - Generic
Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2022-2026)
- Year: 2022
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Education
- Link to external source: https://www.globalpartnership.org/content/education-sector-plan-2022-2026-somaliland#:~:text=Somaliland's%202022%2D2026%20education%20sector,for%20transformation%20of%20the%20education
Legal provision
Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2022-2026) - Generic
Education Sector Strategic Plan (ESSP 2022-2026) - Generic
General Education Act
- Year: 2021
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Education
Legal provision
Section 7 - Inclusive Education for Learners with Special Needs
Inclusive education shall be promoted by addressing the requirements of learners with special needs, including appropriate modifications in curricula, teaching methods, educational resources, communication mediums, and learning environments.