Baidoa, Somalia β South West State has become the first federal member state in Somalia to pass a law aimed at protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen officially signed the Disability Rights Act into law, a step toward strengthening legal protections and accessibility for people with disabilities in the region.
The legislation was drafted by the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs of South West State with support from the United Nations. According to the South West State presidency, the law is intended to improve the welfare and rights of persons with disabilities and facilitate their full participation in society.
The signing ceremony was attended by South West Minister of Women, Shamsa Mohamed Yarow, Director of the South West Presidential Palace, Abdifatah Mahad and Kirsten Young, Chief of the UNβs Human Rights and Protection Group and representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Somalia.
The UN Human Rights Office in Somalia has been working with the Federal Government and Federal Member States to support the development of policies and legal frameworks for persons with disabilities. Advocates for disability rights have described the law as an important step, noting that it aligns with efforts at the federal level to ensure greater inclusion and protection for persons with disabilities.
South West Stateβs move establishes a legal framework that other federal member states may consider as Somalia continues to develop national policies on disability rights.
