Garowe, Capital City of Puntland State of Somalia October 7, 2025 Gaashaan Legal and Consultancy Services in partnership of NRC – Norwegian Refugee Council and close collaboration of Dowladda Hoose ee Garoowe successfully conducted the second session of its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legal awareness workshop at Waaberi IDP Camp in Garowe. The session focused on equipping internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community members with the knowledge and tools to resolve disputes peacefully, with a strong emphasis on Housing, Land and Property (HLP) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) issues.
The session brought together a diverse group of participants including IDP leaders, women’s representatives, youth, and host community members, with women making up 70% of attendees a reflection of the initiative’s inclusive and gender-responsive approach.
Key Topics Covered
Participants engaged in interactive presentations and group discussions on:
• Understanding negotiation, mediation, and community-based dispute resolution as alternatives to litigation.
• Real-world examples of successful ADR cases shared by Gaashaan Legal facilitators.
• Awareness of IDP rights under Somali law and international standards.
• Referral mechanisms for unresolved or sensitive cases, particularly GBV and land disputes.
Outcomes and Impact
The session achieved several key outcomes:
• Increased community understanding of ADR tools and their practical benefits.
• Strengthened trust between IDPs and host residents through collaborative learning.
• Improved knowledge of legal rights and accessible protection pathways.
• Strong engagement from female participants, highlighting their essential role in peacebuilding and mediation efforts.
Persistent Challenges Identified
Despite the session’s success, several urgent challenges remain within the camp:
• Risk of Eviction: Many families live in fear due to insecure land tenure.
• Sanitation Crisis: A lack of toilets often prohibited by landowners — severely affects health and safety, especially for women.
• Heightened GBV Risk: Women and girls are vulnerable to assault due to unsafe sanitation practices.
• Inadequate Shelter & Basic Services: Overcrowding and poor infrastructure continue to undermine safety and dignity.
• Low Legal Awareness: Many IDPs are still unaware of their rights and how to access legal help.
Recommendations for Action
To address these challenges, Gaashaan Legal recommends:
1. Securing land tenure and preventing forced evictions through local partnerships.
2. Building safe, gender-sensitive sanitation facilities within the camp.
3. Improving GBV protection, including safe spaces and better public lighting.
4. Upgrading shelter and essential services with coordinated humanitarian support.
5. Expanding legal education and publicizing referral pathways.
6. Empowering women and youth through leadership and mediation training.
Looking Ahead
Gaashaan Legal and Consultancy Services remains committed to promoting inclusive, community-led conflict resolution. By bridging legal knowledge with grassroots action, the ADR program continues to foster peaceful coexistence and justice in vulnerable communities like Waaberi IDPs Camp Garowe
Gaashaan Legal and Consultancy Services
NRC – Norwegian Refugee Council
