Disability in Somalia

People with disabilities have been identified as a particularly marginalised and at risk group within Somali society as a result of the numerous attitudinal, environmental, and institutional barriers they face, and the lack of concerted efforts to include them. This rapid review identifies available evidence on the experiences of people with disabilities living in Somalia. There is  ample anecdotal evidence and acknowledgements that the negative experiences of people with disabilities is a pressing issue across Somalia, as well as a very small number of research reports looking at disability in Somalia. As a result there are still numerous evidence gaps in relation to the experiences of people with disabilities living in Somalia. Even research reports which have been conducted on disability in Somalia acknowledge that little research has been produced and further research is needed (CEVSI & HI, 2012, p. 6). The small number of studies which have carried out research in Somalia have focused on mainly on children with disabilities and on people with psychosocial disabilities (mental health conditions). Much of this research has had a focus on Somaliland rather than the whole of Somalia. Further research with people with different types of disabilities and in different areas of Somalia is needed to more fully understand the experiences of people with disabilities living in Somalia, the barriers and challenges they face, and how they and their families have responded to them, including in relation to livelihoods.