BAIDOA, Somalia (Baraarug) — February 4, 2025, marks a monumental day in the journey toward inclusive governance and social justice in Somalia’s Southwest State. On this day, the Disability Rights Act was officially enacted, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for many.

After extensive consultations with civil society organizations, including those fervently advocating for the rights of individuals living with disabilities, President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) signed this groundbreaking law, forging a path toward long-awaited change.

“This marks the beginning of a long journey toward realizing full human rights for people with disabilities,” said Shamso Mohamed Yarrow, the regional Minister of Women and Human Rights.

Reflecting on Somalia’s turbulent history, Yarrow eloquently highlighted the challenges: “For over three decades, Somalia has suffered conflict and instability, during which the rights of many—including persons with disabilities—were neither protected nor prioritized.” Words that linger, inviting us to ponder how society can rebuild what was neglected.

Luul Ali Ahmed, director of Baidoa’s Women Health and Relief Organization, greeted the new legislation as a pivotal breakthrough, acknowledging the years of advocacy that led here. “We have advocated for this for years,” she stated, her voice a mix of relief and hope. “People with disabilities have unique needs, yet there was no legal framework to recognize or respond to them. Their rights were routinely violated.”

In rural regions, challenges are magnified. The disability rate climbs to an alarming 9.1%, particularly impacting women and children, groups often caught in the throes of “double discrimination.” This duality poses a thought-provoking challenge: How can society better protect its most vulnerable?

Disabled women face compounded vulnerabilities, being more prone to gender-based violence and economic exclusion. Similarly, children with disabilities frequently miss out on essential education and social services, leaving unanswered questions about their future.

Yet, hope emerges, especially in Baidoa, a city grappling with humanitarian crises. The area shelters an estimated 500,000 to 700,000 internally displaced people (IDPs), many of whom bear physical and psychosocial disabilities, facing daunting barriers to everyday needs like mobility and healthcare.

Muhudin Nor Abdi, a spokesperson for persons with disabilities in Baidoa, describes the newly passed law as a long-awaited milestone. “This is a very good law. If implemented correctly and reaches grassroots levels, people with disabilities will finally be able to live with dignity,” he declared.

Muhudin’s words echo the sentiments of countless advocates, highlighting the active participation of disabled individuals throughout the legislation’s development—a key element in crafting policies that genuinely reflect their needs.

From within one of Baidoa’s many displacement camps, Kaltumo Mohamed, a mother of five and head of the local women with disabilities committee, offers a poignant glimpse into everyday struggles. “We were like forgotten people—like we didn’t exist,” she candidly shared. “Now that the Disability Rights Act is passed, I hope it’s not just words on paper. We want real change in our lives.”

The impact of the act extends beyond legal acknowledgment, emphasizing the importance of societal visibility and safety. Salima Shueb, director of the local NGO Garab Walaal, emphasizes this: “This act is designed to combat discrimination and protect people with disabilities from harm,” she remarked. “It makes their existence and rights visible in society.” These words resonate, inviting reflection on how acknowledgment paves a path toward protection.

Despite this progress, considerable challenges loom. Disabled IDPs, especially women and girls, remain at extreme risk, often facing abuse in largely inaccessible camp infrastructures. Experts caution that legislative measures alone are insufficient; meaningful progress requires robust political will, committed funding, and a much-needed cultural shift towards genuine inclusion.

Still, the introduction of the Disability Rights Act in Southwest State stands as an unprecedented step forward. It offers a chance—a beacon of hope—to transform long-standing neglect into well-deserved national recognition. It’s a beginning, yes, but one full of promise and profound possibility.