Minority Rights in Somalia

Equal in dignity. Excluded in practice.

Somali Bantu, Af-Maay-speaking communities, minority clans and other historically excluded groups.

The injustices communities face

Political exclusion

Unequal access to justice

Land loss, displacement and forced eviction

Unequal access to humanitarian assistance

Barriers to education

Economic discrimination

Violence against women and girls

Discrimination against language and identity

Greater risks for children

What justice requires

SAJEM calls for

Meaningful representation of minority communities in government, peacebuilding and public decision-making.
Equal protection under the law and accessible legal assistance for survivors.
Protection against land grabbing, forced eviction and unlawful displacement.
Fair and transparent access to humanitarian assistance.
Equal access to education, healthcare, employment and economic opportunity.
Recognition and protection of minority languages, histories and cultural identities.
Stronger protections for women, girls, children and persons with disabilities.
Inclusion of minority-led organizations in policy and humanitarian planning.
Public data showing whether government programs and humanitarian resources reach marginalized communities.
Independent investigation and accountability when serious human-rights violations are reported.

Our role

SAJEM brings community concerns to policymakers, civil-society organizations and international institutions. Through civic education, youth leadership, public dialogue, research and nonviolent advocacy, we work across the following areas.

We seek a Somalia where identity does not determine whose voice is heard or whose rights are protected.

Policy and government advocacy

We raise the concerns of minority communities with policymakers and public institutions, and advocate for meaningful representation in government, peacebuilding and public decision-making.

Human-rights documentation and accountability

Through research and listening to communities, we help record the injustices people report and call for independent investigation and accountability when serious violations occur.

Land rights and displacement

We advocate for protection against land grabbing, forced eviction and unlawful displacement, and for the rights of affected families to be heard.

Humanitarian access and community protection

We call for fair, transparent humanitarian assistance and for minority-led organizations to be included in humanitarian planning.

Education and youth leadership

We support civic education and youth leadership, and advocate for equal access to education for minority children and young people.

Economic opportunity and inclusion

We advocate for equal access to employment, healthcare and economic opportunity, free from discrimination based on identity.

Women, girls, children and disability rights

We push for stronger protections for women, girls, children and persons with disabilities, who often face the greatest risks.

Language, culture and identity

We promote recognition and protection of minority languages, including Af-Maay, as well as community histories and cultural identities.

Diaspora and international engagement

We connect diaspora voices with communities in Somalia and bring their shared concerns to civil-society organizations and international institutions.

Public education and nonviolent civic participation

We encourage public dialogue, raise awareness of minority rights and support peaceful, nonviolent participation in civic life.