On 16 October 2025, the Somali Disability Network (SDN), a national coalition of 15 member organizations working to advance disability inclusion across humanitarian response, development, and political participation in Somalia, participated in a high-level meeting with the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS). The meeting was led by the Deputy Resident Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid and attended by senior officials from the Federal Government of Somalia, along with the Chairperson of the National Disability Agency (NDA), H.E. Mr. Mohamed Abdull Jama. The purpose of this engagement was to strengthen dialogue on ensuring that disability inclusion becomes an integral component of national systems and humanitarian coordination.
During the discussion, SDN members raised key concerns regarding the limited inclusion of persons with disabilities in humanitarian aid distribution, program design, and monitoring processes across Somalia. Participants emphasized that exclusion continues to affect access to essential services—particularly in IDP camps, rural communities, and crisis-affected districts. SDN representatives further stressed the need for the National Transitional Plan (NTP) 2025–2029 to embed clear disability-inclusive strategies, indicators, and accountability mechanisms to prevent the continued marginalization of persons with disabilities.
In his speech, Mr. Abdullahi, Chairperson of SDN, noted that he was representing a network of 16 organizations, including disability organizations, inclusive schools, TVET centers, and IDP camps that host a significant number of persons with disabilities. He highlighted the challenges faced by these communities, including barriers to humanitarian aid, limited livelihood opportunities, and weak institutional support. Mr. Abdullahi called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, UN agencies, and civil society to ensure that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are fully recognized within national reforms and recovery efforts.
During the session, H.E. Mr. George Conway, the Deputy Resident Coordinator, announced the establishment of a Disability Inclusion Working Roundtable, a new mechanism designed to strengthen coordination and mainstream disability perspectives across all UN and partner programs in Somalia. SDN welcomed this initiative, noting that such platforms are essential for achieving sustainable inclusion, improving representation, and ensuring that persons with disabilities are meaningfully involved in planning, implementation, and decision-making processes under the NTP 2025–2029 and beyond.
