Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies allow access to social housing for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
In both the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland, domestic laws and policy frameworks support access to housing, land, and property (HLP) for forcibly displaced persons (FDPs), including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugee-returnees. These frameworks are complemented by initiatives from UN agencies and humanitarian organizations that focus on land allocation, regulation of informal settlements, and housing reconstruction to address the shelter needs of displaced populations. National and regional policies emphasize the importance of secure tenure, protection against forced evictions, and access to legal remedies for land and property disputes.
In Somalia, the National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (2019) outlines strategies for durable solutions, including support for land acquisition, voluntary resettlement, and reintegration into host communities. In Somaliland, housing access for displaced persons is supported through urban planning and land use regulations, with efforts made to formalize informal settlements and integrate displaced families into existing neighborhoods. Legal assistance programs—often implemented through partnerships with civil society and legal aid providers—help displaced individuals reclaim lost property, navigate land registration systems, and obtain housing documentation.
Across both jurisdictions, secure access to housing is recognized as a key component of stability and recovery for displaced populations. While implementation capacity and resource availability may vary by region, the existence of legal frameworks and ongoing multi-stakeholder collaboration reflect a shared commitment to ensuring the right to adequate housing for all displaced persons in Somalia and Somaliland.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024)
- Year: 2020
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Work & Workplace rights
- Link to external source: https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/85880
Legal provision
National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024) - Generic
National Durable Solutions Strategy (2020-2024) - Generic
Interim Protocol on Land Distribution for Housing to Eligible Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons
- Year: 2019
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Housing, land & property
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/decreees/natlegbod/2019/en/122889
Legal provision
Interim Protocol on Land Distribution for Housing to Eligible Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons - Generic
Interim Protocol on Land Distribution for Housing to Eligible Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons - Generic
National Eviction Guidelines
- Year: 2019
- Type: Other
- Rights Category: Housing, land & property
- Link to external source: https://www.regionaldss.org/e-library/national-eviction-guidelines/#:~:text=These%20Guidelines%20make%20provision%20for,to%20adequate%20housing%20and%20other
Legal provision
National Eviction Guidelines - Generic
National Eviction Guidelines - Generic
Policy Framework on Displacement within Somalia
- Year: 2014
- Type: Domestic policy
- Rights Category: Housing, land & property
- Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/legal/decreees/natlegbod/2014/en/121391
Legal provision
Policy Framework on Displacement within Somalia - Generic
Policy Framework on Displacement within Somalia - Generic
Protection and Assistance to Internally Displaced Persons Bill
- Year: 2021
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 23 - Temporary Solution
The temporary solution is intended to improve the living conditions and livelihoods of the displaced persons until a durable solution is realized. Temporary solutions may include provision of money donations, rental or temporary housing or rented land
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 5.12 - Land, property and possession
The Government shall respect and protect the property rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), ensuring no one is arbitrarily deprived of land, possessions, or other property. IDPs shall have the right to: Own property, including land, homes, businesses, and livestock; Be deprived of property only in accordance with the law; Have abandoned property protected by the State; Receive government assistance in reclaiming lost property as part of restitution; Obtain replacement of lost documentation; Be allocated land and shelter where necessary; Access a property registration system for claims and dispute resolution; and Utilize traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.