IGAD Holds Training for Somali Community Leaders on Refugee and Asylum Law

Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has conducted a three-day Training of Trainers workshop in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening understanding of Somalia’s Refugee and Asylum-Seekers Act among refugee and host community leaders.

The training brought together community representatives, government officials, civil society organizations, and regional partners to improve awareness of the legal framework governing refugee protection in Somalia.

Speaking during the workshop, Mohamud Abdi Ahmed, IGAD Head of Mission to Somalia, said the regional body remains committed to supporting member states in improving refugee protection and promoting cooperation that benefits both refugees and host communities.

He emphasized that community leaders play a critical role in bridging the gap between institutions and displaced populations by sharing information, encouraging peaceful coexistence, and advocating for the rights and welfare of refugees and asylum seekers.

Officials from National Commission for Refugees and IDPs (NCRI) highlighted that Somalia’s adoption of the Refugee and Asylum-Seekers Act in 2024 represents an important step toward aligning the country with international and regional protection standards.

According to NCRI Commissioner Ahmed Hussein Elmi, Somalia currently hosts more than 46,000 refugees from different countries, making it essential to establish a clear legal system to protect their rights and manage asylum processes transparently.

Representatives from United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Somalia in strengthening its national asylum system and ensuring protection for refugees in line with global standards.

UNHCR protection officer Raymond Tagle noted that while Somalia is widely known as a country affected by displacement, it also serves as a host nation for refugees and asylum seekers from across the region.

The training program focused on equipping community leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to explain the law within their communities, improve cooperation between stakeholders, and promote advocacy on refugee protection issues.

The workshop was supported through the Protection and Solutions for Displaced Persons Project (PSDP), which is funded by the Government of Sweden.

Somalia is a signatory to several international refugee protection agreements, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, its 1967 Protocol, and the 1969 OAU Refugee Convention.