The Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN) has concluded a two-day regional consultative forum for disability rights, which took place on March 21, 2023. The forum aimed to address the challenges and obstacles encountered by people with disabilities in Somalia when accessing basic services, particularly the justice system.
Participants from the federal government, civil society, and non-governmental organizations were present to ensure a diverse range of perspectives were considered during discussions. The acting general secretary of the ministry of justice and constitutional affairs, Muhuyadin Hashi Dalmar, confirmed the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive justice system that caters to the needs of all citizens, including those with disabilities.
The forum identified and prioritized the needs of people with disabilities in Somalia and developed recommendations for practice changes and barrier removal to enhance their rights and access to services.
The Somali government has signed the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and submitted a national disability act to Somali Muslim scholars for review and approval, according to Ahmed Abdi Murule, director of human rights at the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development. The forum was organized by SODEN, under the support of the EAJ program funded by USAID.
