31 May 2026 | SOLLA — A specialized capacity-building training in Hargeisa has equipped 45 legal aid professionals with the framework needed to expand free legal representation and protection services for vulnerable groups across Somaliland.
The two-day training organized jointly with the Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA) on 23–24 May 2026 in Hargeisa, forms part of broader justice sector reform efforts implemented through the UN Joint Rule of Law Programme Phase II, a joint initiative of UNDP, UN Women, and UNODC, funded by the European Union and the Multi Partner Trust Fund. Since its launch in 2023, hundreds of legal aid lawyers, police officers and paralegals have been trained to advance free legal aid, human rights and gender-responsive justice reforms.


The training focused on imparting practical skills to participants on the Justice Promoter Model, legal aid frameworks, and community justice systems, while also strengthening coordination and collaboration among legal aid actors operating across Somaliland.


Over the course of the two-day training, participants engaged on key thematic areas related to legal aid service delivery, professional ethics, case management, coordination mechanisms, reporting procedures, and the respective roles and responsibilities of legal aid actors under the Joint Rule of Law Programme. The training further sought to improve the quality, accessibility, and responsiveness of legal aid services provided to vulnerable communities.


High-ranking government officials and UNDP representatives participated in the opening session of the workshop, reaffirming the importance of strengthening legal aid systems and expanding access to justice services across Somaliland.

Contributors from legal associations and government institutions also highlighted the importance of strengthening legal aid services across Somaliland. Said Abdillahi Hussein, a representative of the Somaliland Lawyers Association (SOLLA), thanked EU and UNDP for theirlongstanding support to legal aid programmes and highlighted the legal profession’s commitment to expanding access to justice. He noted that “SOLLA has 359 members, and every member will provide at least two pro bono cases,” adding that the provision of free legal aid is a prerequisite for the renewal of lawyers’ licenses.


Mr. Mukhtar Osman, Director of SOLLA, noted that the Legal Aid Bill has reached a critical stage in the legislative process. He welcomed the progress made on the bill, describing it as being “in its final stage to the approval of the Parliament.”