Legal Frameworks and Human Rights in Focus as Somalia Promises Inclusive Policies for Refugees and IDPs.

Mogadishu, Somalia – 25th November 2023

Today, distinguished delegates will gather at the Decale Hotel in Mogadishu for the official announcement of Somalia’s pledges for the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2023. Hosted by the National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCRI), this event marks a crucial step in Somalia’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and their host communities.

The Somali government, through NCRI, will present its official commitments, developed through a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process. This process involved collaboration with the federal government, federal member states, refugees, IDPs communities, the private sector, and international partners. The pledges align with the international refugee regime, NCRI’s 5-year strategic plan, national climate actions (NDCs), and aim to build partnerships while engaging with the global community.

Magatte Guisse, the UNHCR Somalia Country Representative, will be present at the announcement. Special Advisor on Climate Action to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Andrew Harper, is also expected to join for the official presentation today

According to latest statistics presented by NCRI, Somalia faces one of the most complex displacement crises globally, with over 2.6 million IDPs, 870,000 refugees and asylum seekers in neighboring countries, and over 100,000 refugee-returnees since 2014. The majority reside in urban areas, encountering challenges such as insecurity, discrimination, eviction, and limited access to basic services.

The Somali government pledges to develop and adopt legal frameworks that protect and include refugees and IDPs in line with international standards. These frameworks aim to ensure human rights, dignity, security, and access to basic services, livelihoods, and durable solutions. By fulfilling these commitments, Somalia not only upholds national and international laws but contributes to global solidarity and responsibility-sharing crucial for addressing forced displacement. Additionally, these efforts aim to enhance social cohesion, resilience, and the agency of displaced persons in development and peace initiatives.