Mogadishu, Somalia — The Independent Constitutional Review and Implementation Commission (ICRIC) on Wednesday convened a key public consultation in Mogadishu, focusing on the constitutional rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The event drew broad participation from disability rights advocates, community leaders, and government officials, underscoring the importance of ensuring that Somalia’s constitutional review process reflects the voices of marginalized groups.
Mr. Mohamed Abdul Jama, Chairperson of the Disability Authority, led the discussion and praised ICRIC for prioritizing inclusivity. He emphasized that meaningful representation of PWDs in the constitutional framework is vital to safeguarding their rights and ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, and public services.
Participants commended ICRIC’s consultative approach, noting that open dialogue with communities is central to building a constitution that strengthens social cohesion and protects the rights of vulnerable citizens. Many urged the commission to enshrine stronger protections against discrimination and to promote accessibility standards in line with international conventions.
ICRIC officials reaffirmed their commitment to a participatory review process, stressing that constitutional reform must be both inclusive and reflective of Somalia’s diverse society. The consultation in Mogadishu forms part of a wider series of engagements the commission is holding nationwide to gather citizen input ahead of the next stage of constitutional deliberations.
Advocates at the meeting called the process a significant step forward in Somalia’s democratic development, highlighting that disability rights are human rights and must be fully recognized in the country’s supreme law.