Mogadishu, Somalia – In a historic move underscoring Somalia’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its most vulnerable citizens, members of the Upper House of Parliament have passed the long-awaited Bill on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The legislation, spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Reconciliation, marks a pivotal step toward establishing a clear legal framework for the protection, rights, and dignity of millions uprooted by conflict and climate shocks.
The approval comes at a time when Somalia continues to grapple with one of the largest internal displacement crises in Africa. Prolonged droughts, flash floods, and decades of insecurity have forced families to leave their homes in search of safety, food, and livelihoods. Many now live in informal settlements with limited access to healthcare, education, and clean water — conditions that have deepened cycles of poverty and vulnerability.
By passing the new law, the Upper House has paved the way for a stronger institutional response to displacement. The bill defines the government’s responsibilities in prevention, protection, and durable solutions for IDPs, including voluntary return, local integration, and resettlement. It also calls for closer coordination between federal and state authorities, humanitarian agencies, and local communities to ensure that displaced people are treated with fairness and dignity.
For years, humanitarian organizations and civil society groups have urged the government to adopt a comprehensive policy framework addressing the rights of displaced citizens. The new legislation reflects that call, aligning Somalia’s commitments with international humanitarian and human rights standards.
Beyond legal protection, the bill is expected to serve as a cornerstone for long-term recovery and resilience. It highlights the importance of sustainable reintegration, access to basic services, and inclusion of displaced populations in national development plans — a crucial element in rebuilding trust and stability in communities affected by years of hardship.
With the Upper House’s approval, the bill now moves closer to full enactment, signaling renewed hope for the millions of Somalis who have lived too long on the margins of displacement. For them, it is not just a policy victory — it is a long-overdue recognition of their struggle, resilience, and right to belong.