By HAN News Desk
NAIROBI — Somalia has appealed to member states of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to reinforce cooperation on refugee protection, humanitarian response, and regional stability, as ministers convened in Nairobi to review progress on the Nairobi Declaration on Refugee Affairs.
Somalia’s Minister of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Ali Yusuf Ali (Hoosh), represented the Federal Government at the high-level ministerial meeting, which brought together government officials, regional bodies, and international partners to assess ongoing commitments toward supporting refugees and host communities across the Horn of Africa.
In his address, Minister Ali said Somalia continues to face a complex mix of challenges, including the protection of refugees and asylum seekers, large populations of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returning citizens, and communities affected by recurring humanitarian emergencies.
“Despite the obstacles, Somalia remains firmly committed to the principles and objectives of the Nairobi Declaration,” he said. “Over the past few years, we have worked to translate these commitments into practical, measurable solutions that improve the lives of refugees, IDPs, returnees, and the host communities that support them.”
The minister outlined several reforms undertaken by the Somali government to bring national policies into line with regional and international norms. These include the Refugee and Asylum Seekers Act, approved by the Federal Parliament in September 2023, which provides a clearer legal framework for the protection of refugees, and the newly-passed Internal Displacement (IDP) Bill, aimed at safeguarding the rights and welfare of displaced families within Somalia.
Minister Ali emphasized that achieving durable solutions requires stronger collaboration among IGAD member states, particularly in areas of regional security, information sharing, and coordinated humanitarian assistance. He urged governments to work together to enhance infrastructure, social services, and livelihood opportunities, enabling communities to withstand shocks linked to conflict and climate change.
He also reiterated Somalia’s commitment to supporting voluntary, safe, and dignified returns—while stressing that such processes must be anchored in stability, security, and adequate support systems.
The Nairobi Declaration, adopted in 2017, outlines a regional approach to refugee protection and seeks to promote resilience and long-term solutions for displaced populations across the Horn of Africa.
