Date of publication:

08/22/2025

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services for forcibly displaced and stateless persons? 

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

In both the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland, comprehensive legal and policy frameworks have been developed to guide the provision of healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health (SRH), with the overarching goal of ensuring equitable access for all members of society. These frameworks are rooted in the recognition of health as a fundamental human right and aim to promote the well-being of individuals across all population groups, including women, adolescents, and vulnerable communities. National health policies and strategic plans in both jurisdictions emphasize the centrality of SRH to improving maternal and child health, reducing preventable deaths, and supporting broader public health goals.

In Somalia, the Essential Package of Health Services (EPHS) and related reproductive health strategies underscore the government's commitment to ensuring access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, family planning, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, and services for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Similarly, in Somaliland, the National Health Policy and associated reproductive health programs promote access to SRH services through public health facilities and community-based outreach initiatives. These policies are supported by multi-sectoral collaboration between government institutions, UN agencies such as UNFPA, and non-governmental organizations working to deliver SRH services in both urban and remote areas.

Efforts to enhance access to SRH services for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, are also incorporated into these frameworks, often through targeted programs and humanitarian coordination mechanisms. Mobile clinics, integrated health outreach, and referral systems are used to reach FDPs in hard-to-access locations. Collectively, the legal and policy commitments of both Somalia and Somaliland demonstrate a sustained focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health rights as a key component of the broader health system, aligned with international standards and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child And Adolescent Health Strategy

    Legal provision

    Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child And Adolescent Health Strategy - Generic

    Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child And Adolescent Health Strategy - Generic

    Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland
    • Year: 2001
    • 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/2001/en/72769

    Legal provision

    Article 17.1 - Health

    In order to fulfil a policy of promoting public health, the state shall have the duty to meet the country’s needs for equipment to combat communicable diseases, the provision of free medicine, and the care of the public welfare. 2. The state shall be responsible for the promotion and the extension of healthcare and private health centres.

    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

    Somaliland National Health Policy

    Legal provision

    Somaliland National Health Policy - Generic

    Somaliland National Health Policy - 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.