World Labor Day Event held in Somalia Highlights Disability Inclusion and National Quotas

On 1 May 2025 An event for World Labor Day was organized in Mogadishu by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), focusing on the labor market and disability inclusion in Somalia. Over 15 organizations participated in the event, highlighting challenges faced by PWDs in accessing employment and calling for greater inclusion in both national and international labor markets. Participants emphasized the urgent need for policies and practices that enable persons with disabilities to fully engage in productive work and economic life.

This year marks a significant milestone for disability inclusion in Somalia, following the passage of the National Disability Act, which includes two key quotas: 5% employment opportunities for PWDs in both public and private sectors, and 5% political participation for government members, policymakers, and legislators. These measures, together with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), aim to reduce high unemployment among PWDs, which contributes to widespread poverty. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including slow government employment processes, exclusion from humanitarian program recruitment, and ongoing discrimination, all of which violate international labor conventions.

Participants highlighted two important international conventions: the CRPD and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which protect citizens’ rights to participate in civil, political, and economic life. The event was organized in partnership with the UNSOM Human Rights Protection Group (HRPG) Office, which provided support to CSOs and OPDs, facilitated high-level engagement with government officials, lawmakers, and police, and distributed informational materials to participants. These efforts aim to raise awareness of disability rights and strengthen advocacy for inclusive labor and political participation.

Looking ahead, PWDs and OPDs are working to ensure effective implementation of the employment and political participation quotas under the National Disability Act. The establishment of a national alliance, supported by experienced partners and resource organizations such as SONSA, UNSOM HRPG, and the UK Embassy, is expected to enhance coordination and advocacy efforts. This alliance will play a critical role in promoting disability inclusion across both private and public sectors in Somalia, helping to secure meaningful opportunities and equal rights for all persons with disabilities.

Call to Action

1. Government Commitment: The Federal Government of Somalia, including all ministries and agencies, must fully implement the 5% employment and political participation quotas for persons with disabilities as mandated in the National Disability Act. Transparent procedures and accountability mechanisms should be established to ensure meaningful inclusion in both public and private sectors.
2. Private Sector Engagement: Employers in the private sector are urged to adopt inclusive hiring practices, provide reasonable accommodations, and actively recruit qualified persons with disabilities to meet the 5% employment quota.
3. Civil Society and OPD Support: Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and civil society actors should strengthen advocacy, capacity-building, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that PWDs can access employment, political, and economic opportunities without discrimination.
4. International Partners: Development partners, donor agencies, and humanitarian actors are encouraged to prioritize disability inclusion in program design, funding allocation, and workforce recruitment, ensuring alignment with international conventions such as the CRPD and ICCPR.
5. Awareness and Education: All stakeholders should conduct public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, promote the rights of persons with disabilities, and encourage societal support for inclusive labor and political participation policies.