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Somaliland

HI started activities in Somaliland in 1992 by setting up a rehabilitation center in Hargeisa. HI’s strategy in Somaliland is to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and to engage development actors in promoting inclusion and participation of people with disabilities at local and national levels. 

Two young girls wearing blue head coverings sitting at desks, both holding pencils.

Two children at a school for Deaf students in Somaliland. | © C. Smets-Luna / HI

Our actions

In Somaliland, Humanity & Inclusion supports people at risk in accessing protection, psychosocial and mental health support, health and functional rehabilitation, and works toward ensuring that humanitarian action is inclusive of people with disabilities and other populations at risk of exclusion.

For displaced and host populations, HI focuses on protection, psychosocial emergency aid and referrals to lifesaving services. The organization also provides functional and physical rehabilitation services to people with disabilities and stimulation therapy rehabilitation for children experiencing malnutrition. For individuals experiencing psychological distress, HI provides mental health and psychological support services and reinforces services to include people affected by crises.

HI provides support, resources and training to local and international humanitarian organizations to implement the IASC disability inclusive guidelines for more inclusive coordination data collection and programming.

In light of the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2022 HI began researching the impact of COVID-19 on people with disabilities and supporting inclusive health services to respond to their needs.

Areas of intervention

Latest stories

Somaliland drought threatens pastoral communities
© HI
Inclusion

Somaliland drought threatens pastoral communities

55-year old Amina comes from a long line of herders. Years of insufficient rainfall and climate change have put her work and family at risk, forcing them out of their home and way of life.

Somaliland elections: enforcing the right to vote for people with disabilities
© HI
Rights

Somaliland elections: enforcing the right to vote for people with disabilities

On 13 November, voters in Somaliland elected their new president. Over a period of more than two years, Handicap International (HI) encouraged people with disabilities to participate in the electoral system. This inclusive elections initiative was implemented in six of the country’s regions and benefited some 300,000 people with disabilities.  

African States against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
© HI
Explosive weapons

African States against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas

From 27th to 28th November, Handicap International (HI) is organizing a regional conference on the bombing of civilians. The Conference will take place in Maputo, Mozambique and aims to bring together some 20 States, 10 African civil society organizations and international NGOs. The goal is to raise awareness of this vital challenge among African countries and to encourage them to take action on the world stage to protect civilians from the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

Background

Map of Humanity & Inclusion's interventions in Somaliland

Endemic inter-clan fighting for control of land, pasture and water sources, a phenomenon intensified during drought conditions, continues to displace civilians.

Insecurity also drives displacement and heightens humanitarian needs. Protracted internal displacement situations in Somalia have also led to loss of social protection networks. Many have been displaced from their homes for decades, are marginalized and at risk of forced evictions, discrimination, pervasive exploitation and abuse. Female-headed households within internally displaced communities particularly experience hardships and often have limited access to justice, services and assistance, including medical care and psychosocial support. Children are especially vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including practices like female genital mutilation, forced and early marriage, family separation, child labor and forced recruitment into armed groups.

Number of HI staff members: 25

Program launch date: 1992

Reports


The latest publications

> Prevention Against Emerging Infectious Diseases: An Opportunity for Inclusive Health (pdf, 2.25 MB)

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