Hargeisa, Somaliland — In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and compassion, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi led Somaliland’s official commemoration of World Refugee Day in Hargeisa today. The solemn event recognised the plight of refugees who have made Somaliland their haven, while underscoring the country’s commitment to upholding their dignity and rights.
Speaking at the main gathering in the capital, Vice President Abdi urged Somalilanders to regard refugees not as outsiders, but as guests deserving of respect and protection under the law.
“Let us welcome these individuals with the same hospitality that has defined our history,” he declared while also calling for mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence.
According to the government, Somaliland currently hosts nearly 19,600 refugees, the majority having fled conflict in Yemen, with others arriving from Ethiopia, particularly of Oromo heritage. In his address, Vice President Abdi emphasised that this generosity must be matched by responsibility. Refugees, he asserted, must honour local customs and laws while Somaliland citizens must uphold the human rights of all residents.
The event also spotlighted the efforts of the National Displacement and Refugee Agency (NDRA), established in 2017 to oversee the welfare and integration of displaced persons within Somaliland. Through the NDRA’s initiatives, refugees gain access to vital services including education, healthcare, and legal assistance.
Local refugee voices were also heard. A teenage schoolgirl from the Lughaya area of Awdal district, displaced by recent flooding, shared her fears of disrupted education. Somaliland authorities affirmed that humanitarian efforts are underway to assist such young people continue their schooling.
Representatives from UN agencies and international NGOs were reportedly present, reinforcing collaborative efforts to bolster refugee services. While specific updates from these groups were not shared publicly today, their participation underscores Somaliland’s openness to humanitarian partnerships.
The June 22 event poignantly coincided with the international observance of World Refugee Day—originally held on June 20—demonstrating Somaliland’s active engagement in global humanitarian initiatives. Through Vice President Abdi’s leadership, the nation reaffirmed its pledge to protect vulnerable populations and foster social harmony.
As regional conflicts continue to displace thousands, Somaliland’s approach on World Refugee Day sends a clear message: this self-declared republic is committed to offering refuge, reinforcing laws, and strengthening unity amidst diversity.