Garowe, 1 oct- 2025 Gaashaan Legal and Consultancy Services in collaboration with NRC – Norwegian Refugee Council and local stakeholders, organized a one-day capacity-building workshop on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) for internally displaced persons (IDP) leaders and committees in Garowe.
The session focused on strengthening community-based mechanisms for addressing Housing, Land, and Property (HLP) disputes as well as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases.
The workshop, held at the Garowe IDP Community Hall, brought together IDP leaders, camp committees, and community representatives. It aimed to enhance their understanding of ADR methods such as negotiation, mediation, and case resolution while equipping them with practical tools to manage disputes peacefully within their communities.
In his opening remarks, the facilitator highlighted the importance of ADR in reducing tensions and preventing conflict escalation in IDP settlements. He emphasized that effective mediation and negotiation are crucial in handling sensitive disputes, particularly those involving land ownership and gender-based violence.
The sessions covered a range of topics, including:
• Introduction to ADR: principles and relevance for IDPs in Garowe.
• ADR and HLP Issues: addressing common land, housing, and property conflicts through negotiation and mediation.
• ADR and GBV Issues: exploring community-based approaches to resolving sensitive cases with dignity and care.
• Practical ADR Skills: role plays, problem-solving techniques, consensus-building, and referral mechanisms for unresolved disputes.
During group discussions, participants developed recommendations on how ADR can be applied to both HLP and GBV challenges. Presentations from the groups stressed the need for stronger community dialogue, improved referral pathways, and closer collaboration with legal aid providers and local authorities.
At the close of the workshop, participants expressed appreciation for the training, noting that it provided them with new skills to manage disputes more effectively and peacefully.
Key outcomes of the workshop included:
• Increased awareness of ADR approaches among IDP leaders.
• Strengthened capacity to address HLP and GBV disputes at the community level.
• Clearer referral and resolution pathways for sensitive cases.
The workshop concluded with action points for IDP committees to integrate ADR practices into their daily work, ensuring that conflicts are resolved constructively and without escalation.
