Date of publication:

01/08/2026

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide access to primary health care services for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have established legal and policy frameworks that recognize the right to health and include provisions to address the health care needs of forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and asylum seekers. Both jurisdictions emphasize universal health coverage and equitable access to essential services in their respective national health policies. Somaliland’s National Health Policy, for example, promotes inclusive and accessible health care for all population groups, including vulnerable and displaced communities.

In practice, however, the delivery of health services for FDPs across Somalia, including in Somaliland, remains heavily reliant on donor funding and the operational support of international humanitarian organizations. Primary health care for displaced populations is largely facilitated by UNHCR, WHO, and a network of NGO partners, who provide essential services such as maternal and child health, immunizations, treatment of communicable diseases, and mental health support. UNHCR-supported health facilities are central to FDPs’ access to care, particularly in camps, informal settlements, and urban displacement settings, and the continuity of these services is closely tied to the availability of external funding.

While domestic policies lay the foundation for inclusive health care systems, the reliance on donor assistance underscores the vulnerability and fragility of health service delivery for displaced populations. This dependence raises critical concerns about sustainability, especially in the face of shifting donor priorities or funding shortfalls. Nonetheless, the legal recognition of health rights and ongoing partnerships with international actors reflect a continuing commitment by both the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland to support the health needs of FDPs through a combination of national policy direction and humanitarian collaboration.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    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 6.1 - Right to an adequate standard of living

    All refugee-returnees and IDPs have the right, like any other citizen, to an adequate standard of living, and regardless of any circumstances and without discrimination they shall be provided with: a. essential food and potable water; b. basic shelter and housing; c. essential medical services and sanitation; d. basic education; and e. personal security.

    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.

    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 27.2 - Economic and Social Rights

    Every person has the right to healthcare, and no one may be denied emergency healthcare for any reason, including lack of economic capability.

    Somaliland National Health Policy

    Legal provision

    Somaliland National Health Policy - Generic

    Somaliland National Health Policy - Generic

    Somalia Health Sector Strategic 2022–2026 (HSSP III)

    Legal provision

    SOMALIA HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 (HSSP III) - Generic

    SOMALIA HEALTH SECTOR STRATEGIC PLAN 2022–2026 (HSSP III) - Generic

    Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS):

    Legal provision

    Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS): - Generic

    Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS): - Generic

    Somali Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap

    Legal provision

    Somali Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap - Generic

    Somali Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Roadmap - Generic

    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 31 - Access to Health Services

    Every recognized refugee and asylum seeker shall have access to available health services.

    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 5.5 - Health

    The Government shall uphold the right to health of internally displaced persons (IDPs)—women, men, boys, and girls—in accordance with the Constitution, international human rights, and humanitarian law. It shall ensure, at minimum, access to essential health services, including reproductive health care, female health providers, and psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence. Through the Ministry of Health and in collaboration with stakeholders, the Government shall: Disseminate health-related information, education, and communication (IEC) materials; Strengthen the capacity of health workers serving IDP and host communities; Ensure access to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care services; Allocate sufficient resources for health interventions throughout displacement; Provide sanitary products to women and girls to promote hygiene, dignity, and school retention; Improve lighting in IDP camps to mitigate gender-based violence risks; Equip health providers to address child protection concerns; Integrate maternal, reproductive, child, and mental health care—including immunization and psychosocial services—into primary health services; Expand access to care through mobile health units; and Prevent communicable disease outbreaks in IDP camps. To reduce disease transmission caused by overcrowding and inadequate sanitation, the Government shall: Construct and rehabilitate water infrastructure, including boreholes; Establish water and sanitation committees to promote community-led waste management; Prioritize reduction of child and maternal mortality; Promote hygiene practices, including handwashing, in schools and communities; Ensure adequate sanitation facilities and waste disposal systems; and Distribute hygiene kits to displaced populations.

    Transitional Constitution of Puntland Regional Government

    Legal provision

    Article 21.1 - Health

    Puntland State shall promote the public health care of the mother and child, prevention of the contagious diseases and encourage public health sanitations.

    Article 21.2 - Health

    The State shall protect the health and promote the health institutions