A two-day workshop on the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) under the Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was successfully held in Mogadishu from November 24 to 25, 2024.
Organized by the Somali Disability Network (SDN) in collaboration with the National Disability Agency (NDA),
the workshop aimed to enhance the understanding and capacity of disability-focused organizations.
government bodies, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to effectively implement CRPD principles in
Somalia. The event brought together 34 participants, including 24 individuals with disabilities, representing various
sectors. Among them were 17 women and 17 men, ensuring a balanced and inclusive discussion. The participants
engaged in comprehensive dialogues on the practical application of CRPD principles, highlighting
key challenges faced by PWDs in Somalia and identifying actionable solutions to address these gaps.
Workshop objectives
1. Increase Awareness: Enhance participants’ understanding of the CRPD Convention and the rights of persons with disabilities.
2. Promote Collaboration: Foster collaboration between disability organizations, government ministries,
and CSOs for better advocacy and engagement.
3. Advocate for Inclusion: Strengthen advocacy efforts to ensure the recognition and implementation of disability
rights in Somalia
Recommendations
1. Provide training for health, education, and social service professionals to increase their knowledge of
disability-friendly practices, universal design, and providing accessible services for PWDs.
2. Conduct a national census to obtain accurate data on the number of PWDs in Somalia, their living
conditions and the barriers they face in accessing education, healthcare, employment, and social services.
3. Strengthen the capacity of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), government agencies, and disability
organizations to implement CRPDeffectively in Somalia
