Somaliland
HI started activities in Somaliland in 1992 by setting up a rehabilitation centre in Hargeisa. HI’s strategy in Somaliland is to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and to engage development actors in promoting inclusion and participation of people with disabilities at local and national levels.
Our actions
Hargeisa, 2020. A Psychosocial Group Support Session (PSS) organized by HI in the IDP camp of Malawle. | © HI
HI intervenes to help vulnerable people to access protection, psychosocial and mental health support, health and functional rehabilitation, and works to ensure that humanitarian action is inclusive of persons with disabilities and other populations at risk of exclusion.
For displaced and host populations, HI focuses on protection, emergency psychosocial support and referrals to lifesaving services. The organisation also provides functional and physical rehabilitation services for people with disabilities and stimulation therapy rehabilitation for children suffering from malnutrition. For individuals experiencing psychological distress, HI provides mental health and psychological support services and strenghtens services to include vulnerable members of the crisis-affected population.
HI provides support, resources and training to local and international humanitarian organizations to implement the IASC disability inclusive guidelines for more inclusive coordination data collection and programming.
Areas of intervention
Latest stories
Somaliland drought threatens pastoral communities
55-year old Amina comes from a long line of herders. Years of insufficient rainfall and climate change have put her work and family at risk, forcing them out of their home and way of life.
Somaliland elections: enforcing the right to vote for people with disabilities
On 13 November, voters in Somaliland elected their new president. Over a period of more than two years, Handicap International (HI) encouraged people with disabilities to participate in the electoral system. This inclusive elections initiative was implemented in six of the country’s regions and benefited some 300,000 people with disabilities.
African States against the use of explosive weapons in populated areas
From 27th to 28th November, Handicap International (HI) is organising a regional conference on the bombing of civilians. The Conference will take place in Maputo, Mozambique and aims to bring together some 20 States, 10 African civil society organisations and international NGOs. The goal is to raise awareness of this vital challenge among African countries and to encourage them to take action on the world stage to protect civilians from the devastating impact of the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
a life
Background
Endemic inter-clan fighting for control of land, pasture or water sources, a phenomenon intensified during drought conditions, continues to displace civilians.
Endemic inter-clan fighting for control of land, pasture or water sources, which is exacerbated by drought, continues to displace civilians. Insecurity also drives displacement and increases humanitarian needs. Protracted internal displacement situations in Somalia has also led to the loss of social protection networks. Many have been displaced for decades, are marginalized and are at risk of forced evictions, discrimination, widespread exploitation and abuse. Female-headed households within IDP communities are particularly vulnerable and often have limited access to justice, services and assistance, including health care and psychosocial support. Children are particularly vulnerable to various forms of abuse, including practices such as female genital mutilation, forced and early marriage, family separation, child labour and forced recruitment into armed groups.
- Number of HI staff members: 25
- Date the programme opened: 1992
