Date of publication:

01/09/2026

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide access to social protection for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have both recognized the role of social assistance in supporting vulnerable populations, but current systems remain largely unstructured, donor-driven, and limited in scope. In Somalia, the 2020 Social Protection Policy outlines a vision for expanding cash-based assistance across the lifecycle, yet implementation remains fragmented and heavily reliant on international partners. In Somaliland, the 2022–2030 Social Protection Strategy similarly aspires to develop an inclusive, lifecycle-based system, but it does not explicitly include forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) or stateless individuals within its framework. In both jurisdictions, the majority of social assistance—primarily in the form of cash transfers, food aid, and emergency relief—is delivered by humanitarian actors such as UNHCR, WFP, and international NGOs, rather than through comprehensive government-led programs. As a result, FDPs and stateless persons typically receive support based on vulnerability criteria assessed by aid agencies rather than as a right guaranteed under domestic law, underscoring the need for more inclusive and nationally anchored assistance systems.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Somalia Social Protection Policy

    Legal provision

    Somalia Social Protection Policy - Generic

    Somalia Social Protection Policy - Generic

    Transformational Approach to Social Assistance

    Legal provision

    Transformational Approach to Social Assistance - Generic

    Transformational Approach to Social Assistance - Generic

    National Strategy for Ageing in Somalia

    Legal provision

    National Strategy for Ageing in Somalia - Generic

    National Strategy for Ageing in Somalia - Generic

    National Development Plan (NDP) 2020–2024

    Legal provision

    National Development Plan (NDP) 2020–2024 - Generic

    National Development Plan (NDP) 2020–2024 - Generic

    Somaliland Social Protection Policy

    Legal provision

    Somaliland Social Protection Policy - Generic

    Somaliland Social Protection Policy - Generic

    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 27.3 - Economic and Social Rights

    Every person has the right to full social security

    National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and internally Displaced Persons
    • Year: 2019
    • Type: Domestic policy
    • 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/policy/strategy/natlegbod/2019/en/122553

    Legal provision

    Principle 7.1 - Vulnerable persons and persons living with disabilities

    Certain refugee-returnees and IDPs (e.g. children, especially unaccompanied minors; expectant mothers; mothers with young children; female heads of household; child-headed households; orphans; persons with disabilities or chronic disease; and elderly persons) shall be entitled to protection and assistance required by their condition, and to treatment that takes into account their special needs. 2. People who are ill or infirm, people with disabilities and all other vulnerable persons shall receive medical care, attention and other basic supplies to the fullest extent practicable and with the least possible delay, including the diagnosing and treating of contagious diseases. 3. Special attention should be given to the health needs, including special health access, of women and girls. This should include health care as well as appropriate counselling for victims of sexual violence and other abuse. 4. Special attention should be given to the prevention of contagious and infectious disease including HIV/AIDS among refugee-returnees and IDPs. 5. Tailored long-term services should be provided to people suffering from chronic illnesses including mental illness.

    Child-Sensitive Social Protection (CSSP) Programme

    Legal provision

    Child-Sensitive Social Protection (CSSP) Programme - Generic

    Child-Sensitive Social Protection (CSSP) Programme - Generic