The new law creates a dedicated federal agency to advance the rights, inclusion, and opportunities of persons with disabilities.
Somalia has enacted Law No. 134, which establishes the National Disability Agency. The law creates an independent federal body responsible for protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Championed by the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development, the law was enacted to close long-standing gaps in protection for persons with disabilities and to ensure they enjoy equal opportunities in education, employment, and public life. It aligns Somalia's framework with its Constitution and with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Law No. 134, the Law Establishing the National Disability Agency was enacted and entered into force on December 31, 2018.
For many years, persons with disabilities in Somalia lacked a dedicated institution to advocate for their needs and protect their rights. This law responds by creating a single agency with a clear mandate to serve this community.
Article 1 (Establishment) creates the National Disability Agency as an independent body at the federal level. Article 2 (Mandate and Independence) guarantees the agency's independence in carrying out its functions in line with national law.
The law gives the agency a broad and practical role.
The law also ensures that persons with disabilities lead the agency.
Funding and legal clarity are addressed. Article 13 (Budget and Assets) provides for government, grant, and project funding, while Article 20 (Repeal of Conflicting Laws) annuls earlier rules that conflict with the new law.
This law is important because it gives persons with disabilities in Somalia a dedicated voice within government.
“Recognising the rights of persons with disabilities in law is a measure of how inclusive a society intends to be. By creating an independent agency led by persons with disabilities, this law gives a long-overlooked community real standing in decisions that affect their lives.”
, Aweis Osman Ahmed, M.Sc. (Master of Science in Information Systems), LL.B. (Bachelor of Laws)
Managing Partner at Mogadishu Law Office
This release is provided for general information and does not constitute legal advice. Professional legal advice should be obtained before acting on any matter discussed here.