Somaliland

A long-term presence

^{© C. Smets - Luna for Handicap International}

Somaliland is a self-declared republic internationally considered as part of Somalia but governed as an independent country since 1992. In general, Somaliland is currently fairly calm and functional but the security situation is fragile because of weak state control, ineffective law enforcement and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Handicap International has been working in Somaliland since 1992 and has so far operated freely in every region of the country, without experiencing any security problems.

In Somaliland, Handicap International works in partnership and close collaboration with government institutions and local NGOs. Our aim is for people with disabilities, people living with HIV/AIDS and at-risk populations to have the right to access services for prevention, healthcare and social integration.

Key Facts - Somaliland

• Population: 9.4 million
• Household Consumption: n/a
• Life Expectancy: 50 years
• Human Development Index: n/a

^{Source: UNDP HDR 2011}

Our Activities

	Mine Risk Education • Design, testing and circulation of awareness raising material, including radio messages, posters, brochures and road signs. • Strengthening of mine and ERW risk education network within the village communities, targeting young people aged 4 to 29 years. • Capacity building for mine action partners and community groups.
	The fight against HIV/AIDS This project aims to offer prevention access to counselling and testing services and support to integrated care and treatment services targeting the mobile population along the Somaliland, Ethiopia and Djibouti borders. It also aims to ensure that culturally adapted HIV/AIDS information is available and accessible for migrant and sedentary populations in target areas
	Social inclusion of people with disabilities • Study of the socio-economic living conditions of people with disabilities. • Technical and financial support for local organizations to help them structure their associations and implement social projects. • Advocacy and mainstreaming of disability activities into other humanitarian services through right-based approach. • Capacity building for associations for awareness-raising and the development and promotion of policies that address the rights of people with disabilities. • Support for education accessibility through education for all policy – inclusive education.
	Reinforcing rehabilitation services Rehabilitation services are provided through one main centre (Hargeisa rehabilitation services) and four satellite centres situated at four main regional hospitals. All these centres are run through local partners (Disability Action Network) with 90% financial contribution and technical support from Handicap International.

Personal account - Abdifatah makes a full recovery
Abdifatah is 12 years old, is the only child of divorced parents and lives in Burao, Somaliland with his mother. In October 2004 he was the victim of a serious car accident. Thanks to the tenacity of the medical teams caring for him and the unfailing support of his mother, Abdifatah is on his way to a full recovery.

Somaliland

A long-term presence

Key Facts - Somaliland

Our Activities

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