Date of publication:
01/08/2026
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies protect forcibly displaced and stateless persons from harm and discrimination on the basis of their ethnic, religious, political, sexual or gender identity or orientation?
Assessment by population
Analysis
The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland have legal frameworks that emphasize the principle of non-discrimination and the protection of minority groups from violence, abuse, and exploitation. National laws explicitly prohibit discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, language, religion, clan affiliation, and other identity factors, reinforcing the equal rights of all individuals, including those in displacement contexts. Special provisions are in place to safeguard minorities in situations of forced displacement, ensuring access to legal assistance, protective security measures, and essential services such as healthcare, education, and shelter. Both governments, in collaboration with humanitarian partners and civil society organizations, implement awareness campaigns and community engagement programs to promote social cohesion and tolerance. Ongoing legal and policy reforms further aim to strengthen protections against discriminatory practices and targeted violence, reflecting a commitment to upholding equality and human dignity in line with regional and international human rights standards.
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 11 - Equality
(1) All citizens, regardless of sex, religion, social or economic status, political opinion, clan, disability, occupation, birth or dialect shall have equal rights and duties before the law. (2) Discrimination is deemed to occur if the effect of an action impairs or restricts a person’s rights, even if the actor did not intend this effect. (3) The State must not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, race, colour, tribe, ethnicity, culture, dialect, gender, birth, disability, religion, political opinion, occupation, or wealth. (4) All State programs, such as laws, or political and administrative actions that are designed to achieve full equality for individuals or groups who are disadvantaged, or who have suffered from discrimination in the past, shall not be deemed to be discriminatory.
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
Principal 6.3 - Protection from displacement
Special measures must be taken to protect against displacement of minorities, pastoralists and other groups with a special dependency on, and attachment to, their lands
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 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.
Article 22 - Special Protection for Vulnerable Persons
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.