By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa – The Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, yesterday participated in an event in Hargeisa marking World Refugee Day, organized by the Ministry of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Affairs. He highlighted the government’s role in supporting refugees and improving their living conditions.
The Vice President stated that the plight of refugees arises from difficult circumstances, including conflicts and wars. He emphasized the importance of understanding the living conditions of displaced people and the responsibilities of host nations. Governments, he noted, should provide essential needs such as **housing, healthcare, education, food, and other basic necessities for those fleeing their homes.
Speaking on the matter, Vice President Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi said, “When we talk about World Refugee Day, it is a reminder to empathize with their situation. No one chooses to be a refugee—circumstances force them. The communities hosting them should show compassion and assist as much as possible.”
The Vice President pointed out how Somaliland differs from the rest of the world in its approach to refugees. While Somaliland refers to displaced people as “Barakacayaal” (returnees or displaced persons), the international community has established legal frameworks and systems to protect refugees, ensuring their rights and assigning responsibilities to host governments—a distinction from Somaliland’s approach.
Additionally, the Vice President urged the Ministry of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Affairs, international organizations, and local NGOs operating in Somaliland to work towards providing permanent settlements** for displaced people in the regions and districts of Somaliland. He stated, “We call on international agencies, local organizations, and the ministry to collaborate in securing land and settlements for refugees.”
This statement underscores Somaliland’s commitment to addressing the needs of displaced populations while calling for stronger support from humanitarian partners.
