Bosaso, Puntland – October 10, 2024
A major milestone in the fight for disability inclusion in Somalia was marked this week as stakeholders gathered in Bosaso for a two-day advocacy workshop focused on the enactment of the Somali Disability Act and the localization of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD).
Held from October 9–10, 2024, at Jubba Hotel, the event brought together 22 diverse participants including persons with disabilities (PWDs), legal experts, advocacy groups, and government representatives. The workshop was organized by the Puntland Disability Organization Network (PDON), in collaboration with Save the Children, and supported by the NORAD Framework Program.
A United Call for Disability Rights
The workshop aimed to strengthen national efforts toward a rights-based approach for PWDs by:
- Raising awareness on the fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in Somalia.
- Reviewing and advocating for the Somali Disability Act.
- Promoting the practical implementation of the UN-CRPD at the local level.
- Identifying key challenges and enablers that affect PWDs’ access to services.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions that addressed legal, social, and structural challenges facing people with disabilities across the country.
Diverse and Inclusive Representation
The workshop achieved full gender balance, with 11 women and 11 men participating. Representation included 10 individuals with mobility impairments, 2 with a visual impairment and 10 non-disabled allies
This wide representation ensured that voices from all corners of the disability community were heard and reflected in the discussions and outcomes.
Key Themes and Discussions
1. Rights and Legal Protections
Participants underscored the urgent need to integrate disability rights into national laws. They called for targeted awareness campaigns and training programs for government officials to ensure policies are inclusive and enforceable.
2. Reviewing the Somali Disability Act
Stakeholders proposed several amendments to strengthen the draft law, including:
- Clear enforcement mechanisms
- Defined accountability structures
- Provisions that reflect the lived realities of Somali PWDs
3. Localization of the UN-CRPD
Sessions focused on aligning global standards with Somalia’s social and cultural contexts. Participants emphasized the need for capacity building, institutional support, and inclusive infrastructure to translate UN-CRPD principles into actionable local policies.
4. Identifying Barriers and Enablers
Common barriers included lack of accessibility, employment discrimination, and societal stigma. Participants highlighted enabling factors such as inclusive education, accessible design, and strong legislation.
Key Recommendations
The workshop concluded with a strong call to action. Participants issued the following recommendations:
- Fast-track the enactment of the Somali Disability Act to provide legal backing for PWD rights.
- Increase government budget allocations for disability-inclusive programs and infrastructure.
- Enhance multi-stakeholder collaboration between government bodies, civil society, and international partners.
- Launch national awareness campaigns to combat stigma and promote inclusion.
- Invest in capacity-building initiatives targeting both public and private sector institutions.
A Step Forward for Inclusive Somalia
The Bosaso workshop marked a critical step toward ensuring the full inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities in Somalia. With a growing coalition of committed stakeholders and clear pathways for legal reform, participants left the event with a shared sense of purpose and momentum.
The next phase will require sustained advocacy, political will, and collaborative implementation—but the foundation for a more inclusive Somalia has been firmly laid.
