Somalia Showcases New IDP Law at IGAD Meeting on Refugee and Displacement Policy

GOOBJOOG NEWS | NAIROBI: Somalia outlined its renewed strategy for supporting displaced communities as a national delegation joined the annual IGAD meeting of ministers and agencies responsible for refugee and displacement affairs on Wednesday.

Ahmed Hussen Elmi, Commissioner of the National Agency for Refugees and Displaced Persons (NRDP), led the Somali team to the high-level gathering, where member states reviewed progress and set priorities for the year ahead, with durable solutions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) high on the agenda.

Somalia presented its new Durable Solutions Plan, underscoring the government’s push to strengthen long-term support systems for millions of displaced citizens.

At the heart of the plan is the Internally Displaced Persons Bill — recently passed by both houses of parliament — which for the first time provides a comprehensive legal framework for the protection, rights and integration of IDPs.

Officials said the new law positions Somalia to improve assistance, expand local integration options and strengthen coordination with regional partners at a time when displacement continues to be driven by conflict, climate shocks and economic pressures.

The IGAD meeting is set to conclude on Thursday, when a joint communiqué will be issued to outline shared priorities and guide the region’s approach to durable solutions in the coming year.