Date of publication:

01/09/2026

Somalia

Do national and local development plans include provisions for forcibly displaced and statelessness persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Assessment by population
IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

In both the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland, the issue of forced displacement and statelessness remains a critical concern, largely driven by ongoing conflict, insecurity, and climate-related disasters. Somalia, in particular, has been grappling with significant internal displacement, with approximately 3 million individuals, or about 30% of the population, displaced within the country as of 2023. This internal displacement crisis is compounded by the widespread issue of statelessness, as many individuals lack the legal recognition or documentation necessary to access basic services, including healthcare, education, and employment.

Recognizing the importance of addressing these challenges, the Federal Government of Somalia has taken significant steps to integrate support for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) and stateless individuals into its national development agenda. These efforts aim to ensure that displaced populations are included in Somalia's long-term recovery and development strategies. As part of this broader initiative, the government has developed several key legal frameworks and strategies to promote durable solutions for displaced persons and to work towards the eradication of statelessness.

The National Action Plan to End Statelessness (2021–2024), developed by the Somali government in collaboration with international partners, is a pivotal legal framework aimed at addressing the root causes of statelessness. This plan focuses on improving birth registration systems, enhancing legal identity, and ensuring that displaced persons have access to citizenship and legal documentation. By working to resolve issues of statelessness, the plan aims to improve the lives of affected individuals and integrate them more fully into society.

Additionally, the UNHCR Multi-Year Strategy 2023–2025 for Somalia provides a comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of displaced populations. This strategy outlines key objectives for enhancing protection, improving access to basic services, and fostering self-reliance among refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and stateless individuals. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of durable solutions, focusing on the voluntary return, local integration, and resettlement of displaced persons.

Another significant initiative is the National Durable Solutions Strategy (NDSS) 2020-2024, which seeks to find long-term solutions for IDPs and returnees, ensuring that they can rebuild their lives in a stable and sustainable manner. This strategy prioritizes solutions that are based on the principles of dignity, participation, and safety, aiming to integrate displaced persons into economic, social, and political life while promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on humanitarian aid. By fostering resilience and sustainable livelihoods, the NDSS provides a roadmap for addressing displacement in a way that promotes stability and lasting peace.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    National Action Plan to End Statelessness (2021–2024)

    Legal provision

    National Action Plan to End Statelessness (2021–2024) - Generic

    National Action Plan to End Statelessness (2021–2024) - Generic

    UNHCR Multi-Year Strategy 2023–2025 for Somalia

    Legal provision

    UNHCR Multi-Year Strategy 2023–2025 for Somalia - Generic

    UNHCR Multi-Year Strategy 2023–2025 for Somalia - Generic

    National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024)

    Legal provision

    National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024) - Generic

    National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024) - Generic