On 25/April/2023 Somali Disability Empowerment Network (SODEN) conducted a workshop for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Hodan District, Mogadishu, as part of their ongoing efforts to promote public education and justice awareness. The workshop was aimed at helping PWDs navigate the pathways to justice in Somalia and assert their rights. The program was supported by USAID Somalia.
The workshop was attended by Persons with Disabilities from various backgrounds, including those with physical, visual, and hearing impairments. The participants were educated on their legal rights and the various pathways to seeking justice in the country, including the formal justice system and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Speaking after the event, Mohamed Abdisalam chairman of SODEN said, “We are committed to promoting public education and justice awareness among the most marginalized groups, including PWDs. The workshop was aimed at empowering them to navigate the pathways to justice in Somalia and assert their rights. We hope that this program will contribute to creating a more inclusive and just society.”
The workshop was part of a broader campaign to promote justice awareness and public education in Somalia. According to the United Nations, PWDs are often excluded from access to justice and face various barriers in seeking justice, including physical, communication, and attitudinal barriers.
The organizers of the workshop hope that the program will contribute to creating more accessible and inclusive justice mechanisms in Somalia and empower Persons with Disabilities to assert their rights. The program was supported by USAID Somalia, which has been a key partner in promoting justice and human rights in the country.
In conclusion, the workshop was a step towards promoting justice and human rights for the most marginalized groups in Somalia, including PWDs. The organizers hope to continue their efforts to promote public education and justice awareness and create a more inclusive and just society.
