Date of publication:

08/21/2025

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide mechanisms to identify unaccompanied and separated children?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland work in close collaboration with international and humanitarian partners to support efforts aimed at identifying and reuniting separated or unaccompanied children with their families. Key actors in this space include the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Somali Red Crescent Society, whose Restoring Family Links (RFL) program plays a central role in tracing missing family members, re-establishing contact, and facilitating reunification, particularly in situations arising from conflict, displacement, or natural disasters. These efforts are grounded in humanitarian principles and operate with strong respect for cultural values that prioritize family integrity and the protection of children.

In addition, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) actively supports refugee communities in Somalia and Somaliland by providing guidance and counseling on family reunification procedures. This includes assisting individuals seeking to reconnect with family members across borders, often in coordination with asylum countries and host governments. The involvement of such actors complements national and community-level efforts, reinforcing a coordinated and rights-based approach to family unity. Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children and upholding the importance of family ties within the broader displacement and protection context.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Family Law

    Legal provision

    Article 65 – Requisites of the person entitled to custody

    The person who has the custody of the child must look after the interests of the child and should be of age and of sound mind.

    Puntland Refugee Protection Law
    • Year: 2016
    • 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

    Legal provision

    Article 18.2 - Refugees Affairs Department

    f) Consider and review the applications for family re-unification with Refugees in Puntland

    Puntland IDP Guidelines
    • Year: 2011
    • Type: Domestic policy
    • Rights Category: Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

    Legal provision

    Provision 10 - Family life

    The Puntland Government recognizes and reaffirms the right to respect the family life of IDPs in accordance with the Constitution, international human rights and humanitarian law standards and shall protect family unity, including promoting and supporting family tracing and reunification, in particular in relation to separated children.

    Somaliland Refugee Protection Law
    • Year: 2023
    • 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

    Legal provision

    Article 26.1 - Family Reunification

    A recognized refugee may apply to the Authority for permission for a member of his or her family to enter and reside in the Republic of Somaliland for purposes of reunion.

    Somaliland Policy on Alternative Care

    Legal provision

    Somaliland Policy on Alternative Care - Generic

    Somaliland Policy on Alternative Care - Generic

    Somaliland IDP Policy Framework
    • Year: 2015
    • Type: Domestic policy
    • Rights Category: Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

    Legal provision

    Section 5.10 - Family tracing and family life

    The Government reaffirms the right of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to family life and shall take measures to preserve and protect family unity. Through the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, relevant line ministries, law enforcement, NGOs, and aid agencies, the Government shall: Allocate adequate resources; Establish a coordinated system for tracing, locating, and reuniting separated family members, including community-based methods; Maintain an updated database with relevant information; and Ensure stakeholder participation, including IDPs and affected communities. Alternative Care for Children In accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children, the Government shall ensure that displaced children remain with or are reunited with their families, and where not possible, have access to appropriate alternative care. Measures shall: Address care and protection needs of vulnerable children and families; Prevent and respond to family separation; Prioritize tracing and reunification of separated and unaccompanied children; Promote community-based, stable care arrangements; Allocate sufficient resources to meet the needs of children and caregivers; Ensure care institutions meet minimum registration and monitoring standards, and expand alternative care where needed; Conduct comprehensive assessments of children’s needs prior to placement; and Prevent discrimination in service delivery to unaccompanied children, child-headed households, and others in need of care and protection.