Who We Are

Our

Background

After the collapse of the central Government of Somalia, Somaliland declared its independence in 1991. Since then, local Somaliland citizens were able to establish many Civil Society Organizations including disability people organizations (DPOs) and disability service providers providing services to people with different categories of disabilities such as physical disability, mentally challenged, deaf and blind; these organizations are spread in all the six regions of Somaliland.
The idea leading to the establishment of a disability network organization, which emerged in 2002, culminated in the establishment of Somaliland National Disability Forum (SNDF) in 2004. SNDF is national representative body principally established to advocate and lobby for the rights of people with disabilities (PWDs). The organization’s main aim is to represent the interest of PWDs and improve their living conditions.

Somaliland National Disability Forum (SNDF) is a legally registered local Non-Governmental Organization based in Hargesia, Somaliland. Registered under the Ministry of Planning and National Development and in accordance with Somaliland NGO Law No. 43/2010 in the year 2007 registration number WC/WG/G-02/622/07. The organization is a 42 member organizations (as listed in the appendix-1 attached), majority of which are organizations catering for people with disabilities (PWDs), Service providers and minority organizations across the six regions of Somaliland. The organization also assists its multi-disabilities clients and their associates in many different areas. SNDF’s membership is open to all organizations representing the interest of PWDs.

The organization is founded on the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law with a strong focus on the vulnerable, marginalized and minority groups in all the regions of Somalia and beyond that have been subjects of oppression, discrimination and marginalization for years. SNDF projects are implemented where members and local communities have been organized and have shown a lot of interest in the ideals of the organization. This enhances sustainability of projects once implementation is completed. This approach of undertaking demand driven projects coming from the members and grassroots promotes local resource mobilization and utilization by the local communities. Frequent stakeholders meetings and workshops are also organized to explore how members participate more effectively in the implementation of the projects. SNDF’s Board of Management meets quarterly to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the strategic plan and resource mobilization and makes appropriate plans of Action. These action plans are implemented by the members through coordination of the secretariat.

Vision & Mission

Vision

SNDF envisages a society where all people with disabilities (PWDs), regardless of social, gender or political stratification, enjoy full equal rights and are represented at all levels of human development and decision-making processes in accordance with international and regional standards. To realize our vision of a socially just, accessible, and inclusive community, our purpose is to be a leading organization advocating for the rights of all people with disabilities, and the rights of our member organizations as well.

Mission

SNDF strive to contribute to building, strengthening and supporting PWDs in Somaliland to become self-reliant individuals living a dignified life and contributing to the advancement of the needs and wellbeing of PWDs through joint collaborative efforts, advocacy and provision of policy guidance aimed at improving the conditions of PWDs at local, national and even regional levels. SNDF believes that PWDs should take charge of their lives, rather than depending upon others. As a result, SNDF intends to create space and meaningful participation for PWDs in all decision-making processes that affect them.

Organizational Core Values

Respect to viewpoints: We recognize the importance of considering opportunity to all voices and opinions, including those that contradict our convictions.

Respect of Rights of PWDS: We believe in deliberately strengthening the capacity of PWDs and other minority and vulnerable groups to meet their basic needs and to improve on their position; and have a strong commitment to the rights of the PWDs.

Courage of Conviction: SNDF believes in being creative and radical without fear of failure in pursuit of what we believe is in the course of human justice, equality and dignity.

Fairness, equity and Justice: We strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of sex, age, race, tribe, class and religion, has equal opportunity for expression and for utilizing their unique potential.

Institutional Integrity: SNDF emphasizes honesty, transparency and accountability to the members, community and to our collaborative partners or otherwise; this is to instill the virtue in which we strongly believe.

SNDF further believe that people with disability, irrespective of their age, gender, cultural or linguistic background, beliefs, geographic location, sexuality, origin or degree of disability:-

Have a right to life and to bodily integrity;

Are entitled to a decent standard of living and adequate income which will allow them to enjoy active and satisfying life;

Are entitled to the full enjoyment of citizenship rights and responsibilities;

Are entitled to live free from prejudice, discrimination and vilification;

Are entitled to social support and adjustments as a right, and not as the result of pity, charity or the exercise of social control;

Should contribute substantially to the intellectual, cultural, economic and social diversity and well-being of community;

Have the right to participate in the formulation of policies and programs that affect their lives;

Must be empowered to exercise their rights and responsibilities, without fear of retribution.

SNDF’s Strategic Goals

Goal 1:

To promote the livelihood of PWDs in Somaliland

Goal 2:

Enhancing the Right of PWDs Inclusion into Social services and development programs

Goal 3:

Promote and maintain a strong vibrant network, information sharing and coordination.

Goal 4:

Enhance public institutions accessibility for PWDs

Goal 5:

Advocate and lobby for inclusive free education for PWDs

SNDF’s Scope of work / primary focus

SNDF’s scope of work has been continuously growing since its establishment in 2004. Currently, the organization’s interventions focus on mainly the following areas:-

Advocacy and Awareness Creation Programs

Health Programs

Legal aid and Access to legal services programs

Monitoring and Evaluation

Information and Advisory

Emergency and Humanitarian Support Programs

Leadership and Development Programs

Human rights and Protection Programs with particular emphasis given to PWDs.

Skills Trainings, Capacity building, Education, Economic empowerment, Livelihood and Income generation Programs

Democracy and Good Governance Programs