By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Somalia, 22 November 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called for radical justice sector reforms in Somalia, urging the government and stakeholders to accelerate efforts to build an inclusive, accountable and resilient legal system that reflects national values and international human rights standards.
Speaking at a national justice conference today, UNDP Representative in Somalia Lionel Laurens said the country stands at a critical moment in its transition, acknowledging recent progress including new legislation, strengthened institutions and improved cooperation between government bodies, civil society, and traditional justice mechanisms.
Laurens highlighted persistent challenges such as limited access to justice for vulnerable groups, underfunded institutions and gaps in public trust, stressing that reforms must prioritise women, children, internally displaced persons, people with disabilities and marginalised communities.
“Access to justice is not a privilege, it is a fundamental pillar for peace, stability and sustainable development,” Laurens said.
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The UN official also commended Somalia’s efforts to advance gender justice, particularly the adoption of legislation banning Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as a key step in reinforcing legal protections for women and girls.
He further called for sustainable financing of the justice sector and greater judicial independence, urging innovative approaches to mobilise domestic resources and enhance transparency and public participation in shaping the justice system.
Laurens emphasised the importance of integrating Somalia’s traditional dispute resolution systems with formal judicial structures, noting that both systems should be strengthened to serve communities more effectively.
He reaffirmed the UN’s continued commitment to supporting Somalia’s justice sector transformation in collaboration with national partners and international donors, including the European Union and the Netherlands .
