Copyright hiiraan
Hiiraan Online Today from Hiiraan Online: Somali Music advertisements Somalia’s Upper House passes bills protecting IDPs and expanding legal aid access FacebookFacebook messengerTwitterWhatsAppLinkedInTelegramEmail Monday November 3, 2025 Members of Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament raise their hands during a session in Mogadishu on Monday, November 3, 2025, to vote on the Internal Displacement Bill and the Federal Legal Aid Bill Mogadishu (HOL) — Somalia’s Upper House of Parliament has approved two landmark bills that expand legal protections for displaced citizens and ensure broader access to justice, marking a major step in strengthening the country’s federal governance system. Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly on Monday to pass the Internal Displacement Bill and the Federal Legal Aid Bill during a session chaired by Deputy Speaker Senator Abdullahi Tima'adde. Both bills were passed after their third and final readings, following months of review by parliamentary committees. The Internal Displacement Bill, introduced by Senator Deeqa Hassan Hussein, chair of the Upper House Committee on Internal Affairs, establishes legal protection for the more than four million Somalis displaced by conflict, drought, and flooding. The law guarantees displaced persons the right to shelter, humanitarian assistance, and inclusion in national development programs. “This legislation ensures that displaced Somalis are treated with dignity and receive the protection they deserve under the law,” Senator Deeqa said. Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation Minister Ali Yusuf Hoosh welcomed the move, calling the bill “a milestone that strengthens Somalia’s federal system and provides hope to its most vulnerable citizens.” Lawmakers also passed the Federal Legal Aid Bill, which creates a national mechanism to help citizens access free or affordable legal services when facing court proceedings or civil disputes. Senator Sa’id Awke, a member of the Justice and Judiciary Committee, said the law was designed to close the gap between rich and poor in accessing justice. “No Somali should be denied their rights because they cannot afford legal representation,” added Senator Naciima Hassan Gadhwayne, the committee’s chair. Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Hassan Macallin praised the passage of both bills, describing them as “a historic advancement in Somalia’s path toward equality before the law.” The bills will now be forwarded to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for final approval and signature into law. Opinion| Privacy Policy|Sports|Somali Music|Somali Map All Rights Reserved Copyright. © 1999-2025, www.hiiraan.com
