LM-Mogadishu, 6 January 2024- The Minister of the Interior, Federal and Reconciliation of the Government of Somalia, Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi, presented today to the People’s Assembly of the Federal Parliament of Somalia the Bill for the Protection and Support of IDPs.
Mr. Ahmed Macallin Fiqi who first thanked the chairman and members of the People’s Council of the Federal Parliament of Somalia, he also read the Chapters and Articles of the Legal Concept for the Bill for the Protection and Support of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
The minister said that this bill is providing comprehensive protection and support for internally displaced persons (IDPs) within the Country. This will make it possible to address the challenges they face in times of conflict, natural disasters, or other circumstances leading to their displacement.
It is essential to establish a legal framework that ensures the protection of IDPs and provides them with necessary assistance, including access to basic services, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities to build inclusive governance.
Internally Displaced Person (IDP) is defined as any person or group of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee their homes or places of habitual residence due to armed conflict, violence, natural disasters, human rights violations, or other circumstances, and who have not crossed an internationally recognized state border.
The Ministry of Interior, federal and Reconciliation is committed to protecting the IDPs and building bills to protect them that will enable them to be part of their community by recognizing the rights and dignity of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The ministry is authoritative to ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. Inclusive governance for IDPs promotes their empowerment, addresses their specific needs, and safeguards their rights within the broader framework of good governance.