Education

The Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland uphold the right to education for all individuals, including forcibly displaced persons (FDPs) such as internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and asylum seekers. Foundational legal instruments—including Somalia’s Provisional Constitution, Somaliland’s Constitution, the General Education Act (2021), and refugee-specific legislation—affirm the right to free and compulsory primary and secondary education. However, these commitments are weakened by chronic underfunding, widespread privatization, and limited enforcement capacity.

Primary education is legally guaranteed as free and compulsory in both Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland offers comparatively more accessible public education, while Puntland and South-Central Somalia are dominated by private schools that charge high fees. Despite the legal mandates, access to free education is limited, particularly for displaced children. For example, in Puntland, only 26.3% of primary-aged children are enrolled in school, with even lower enrollment rates among IDPs and refugee children. Contributing factors include economic hardship, child labor, insecurity, and gender norms that restrict girls’ participation.

Although secondary education is also protected by law, access remains highly constrained. Schools often charge fees ranging from $15 to $20 per month—costs that many displaced families cannot afford. Somaliland has demonstrated better inclusion at the secondary level, supported by collaboration between UNHCR and education ministries. In contrast, secondary schools in Puntland and South-Central Somalia are largely private, placing further strain on FDP households and perpetuating low net enrollment rates.

Tertiary education is not guaranteed as free under national laws. While both Somalia and Somaliland host higher education institutions, access is shaped by the ability to pay. Institutions such as Barwaaqo University charge around $3,000 annually, and even public universities require tuition fees. This cost barrier renders higher education largely inaccessible to most FDPs. Somalia’s draft Higher Education Act includes scholarship provisions, but implementation remains weak.

Although the right to non-discriminatory education is legally recognized, practical challenges persist. Returnees and refugee students often struggle to have their academic credentials recognized due to bureaucratic hurdles and the absence of standardized systems. Language barriers also affect access, as primary education is taught in Somali, while English and Arabic are introduced at higher levels.

The quality of education is compromised by inadequate infrastructure, unqualified teachers, and a lack of teaching materials. Access to religious education, learning in detention, and services for children with disabilities is supported in law but rarely operationalized. Juvenile centers may offer basic education, but adult detainees and children with disabilities receive minimal support.

Despite progressive legal frameworks, practical access to education for FDPs remains limited. Privatization, poverty, insecurity, and weak institutional capacity continue to hinder educational outcomes. Structural investment and inclusive implementation are urgently needed to ensure equitable educational opportunities for displaced populations.