Awareness raising on human rights-based approach and disability inclusion

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others (UNCRP, 2006). The total population of Somaliland is estimated to be 3.5 Million persons with 60% living in nomadic ways and the rest being sedentary and urban dwellers. Global statistics’ analysis indicates that 15.6% of the global population is men and women, boys and girls with different disabilities. There is no accurate information about the nature and prevalence of disability in Somaliland as national censuses have not yet taken place. Based on international figures, at least 15% of the Somaliland population consist of persons with disabiliteis, which gives about 525,000 (2011, WB and WHO: World Report on Disability, p. 27,29). Since its inception in 2002, DAN organized capacity building and sensitization workshops, round-table meetings, media and IEC materials to address stigma and descrimination against vulnerable groups with a focus on persons with disabilities. DAN sensitization training contents are based on the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland and other domestic laws, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD, 2006), the Un Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC, 1989), the Charter on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action (2017), The IASC Guidelines on Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Humanitarian Action (2019), other UN Conventions and resolutions as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Over 5000 participants were trained on disability rights and inclusion from public, private and non-profit sectors including primary school teachers, medical staff, law enforcement agencies such as the police and the courts, the National Electoral Commission staff, staff from government ministries, Local governments, Member of Parliament (MPs), the media outlets, the civil society organizations including organizations of persons with disabilities and human rights activists, community based organizations (CBOs), women groups, youth networks, construction engineers/architects, community committees, care-givers/parents of persons with disabilities, traditional and religious leaders, and staff from the international organizations. DAN has been an active advocacy organization on disability inclusion since its creation and spear-headed the process of developing a national disability policy of Somaliland with the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs & Family (MESAF). Some events were used to celebrate and raise the public awareness on disability rights such as the International Disability Day, 3rd December and the International Human Rights Day 10th December each year.

​

​