Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies establish measures to prevent and respond to gender-based violence committed against forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration have established legal and policy frameworks aimed at preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) against forcibly displaced and stateless persons. Both jurisdictions emphasize a survivor-centered approach that includes protection measures such as safe shelters, access to medical and psychological care, legal assistance, and specialized support services tailored to the needs of GBV survivors. Government agencies, working in collaboration with humanitarian partners, play a central role in coordinating GBV prevention and response mechanisms to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of affected individuals. In Somaliland, the Refugee and Asylum-Seekers Act of 2023 affirms the right of survivors to receive appropriate support and protection, while Somalia’s broader legal and policy instruments on GBV and displacement integrate similar provisions. These legal protections are aligned with international human rights standards, including the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and UNHCR guidelines, demonstrating both governments’ commitment to safeguarding displaced women and girls from violence, exploitation, and abuse.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
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 15.4 - Liberty and Security of the Person
Female circumcision is a cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture. The circumcision of girls is prohibited.
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 11 - Protection and Assistance
1. The National Commission for Refugees and IDPs shall: a) Provide protection and assistance, including providing sustainable solutions, to all internally displaced persons and communities affected by displacement, regardless of the cause and location of displacement. b) Provide protection and assistance, including providing sustainable solutions, to all internally displaced persons without discrimination as to any type of displacement as stipulated in Article 11 of the Provisional Constitution of the Federal Republic of Somalia, such as gender (male, female), political or any other affiliation, country of origin, legal, social status, age, disability, nationality, or due to displacement, or any other similar condition , as per Principle 4(1) of the Guiding Principles and Article 9(1)(a) of the Kampala Convention. c) Ensure special protection for internally displaced persons who have special needs, including children, especially unaccompanied children, pregnant mothers, mothers with young children, women responsible for families, people with disabilities, and the elderly, in accordance with Principle 4 (2) of the Guiding Principles. d) Work with relevant government institutions to ensure that anyone found guilty of an offense under this Act does not escape justice
Somalia Refugees and Asylum Seekers Law
- Year: 2023
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation
Legal provision
Article 17: Right to Equality and Non-Discrimination
1. All persons are equal before the law and have the right to equal protection without discrimination. 2. Without prejudice to Paragraph (1), asylum seekers and refugees must not be subjected to direct or indirect discrimination on any grounds, including age, race, color, gender, disability, region, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Article 22: Special Protection for Vulnerable Persons
1. The Agency shall take the necessary measures to protect the rights of asylum seekers and refugees in accordance with this law, national laws, and international human rights regulations that the Federal Republic of Somalia adheres to. 2. While carrying out its obligations under this law, the Federal Government shall make special efforts to protect the interests of vulnerable persons, including women, unaccompanied children, separated children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable individuals who have specific needs requiring special protection.