Last Change:

06/02/2025

National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and internally Displaced Persons

Year: 2019

Type: Domestic policy

Rights Category: Asylum, Education, Freedom of movement, Health, Housing, land & property, Liberty & security of person, Nationality & facilitated naturalization, Social protection, Work & Workplace rights, Family life, Documentation

Link to external source: https://www.refworld.org/policy/strategy/natlegbod/2019/en/122553
Description

The National Policy on Refugee-Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Somalia outlines the government's framework for addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations. It aims to provide durable solutions for refugee-returnees, IDPs, and at-risk communities by promoting voluntary, safe, and dignified return, local integration, and resettlement. The policy emphasizes human rights, protection, and socio-economic reintegration, ensuring access to basic services, land, and livelihoods. It aligns with international humanitarian principles and seeks to enhance government coordination, legal frameworks, and partnerships to manage displacement effectively.

Selected provisions
Principle 9.1: Non-discrimination of refugee-returnees and IDPs

1. Refugee-returnees and IDPs, whether or not they are living in camps, shall not be discriminated against in the enjoyment of their rights, including the ones listed below, as a result of their displacement:
b. the right to access to education, health and justice, and all other rights that the Somali National Constitution and international instruments provide

Principle 8.6 - Documentation of refugee-returnees and IDPs

The Federal Government of Somalia recognizes that this policy does not bestow refugee-returnees and IDPs with any special legal or administrative status because they are citizens or habitual residents of Somalia. Nor should their status be used to discriminate against them in any matters of justice or access to services.

Principle 8.3 - Documentation of refugee-returnees and IDPs

Women and men shall have equal rights to obtain such necessary documents, and these shall be issued only in their names

Principal 8.5 - Documentation of refugee-returnees and IDPs

In matters of legal dispute, refugee-returnees and IDPs should have the same access to justice as any other citizen of Somalia, without prejudice.

Principle 8.2 - Documentation of refugee-returnees and IDPs

The Federal Government of Somalia shall also ensure that refugee-returnees and IDPs have access to or may obtain replacement documentation for title deeds, educational certificates and other crucial documents

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