Themes - Somalia
Thematic focus
The goal of the Dutch engagement in Somalia is to address root causes of instability and poverty, through strengthening the social contract between citizens and the state.While in recent years, good progress has been made in state- and peacebuilding, Somalia remains fragile and the risk of descending back into conflict is high.
With the following thematic areas, the Netherlands aims to contribute to a sustainable outlook on stabilization.
Multi Annual Country Strategy Somalia (2023-2026)
The Netherlands has been actively engaged in Somalia for over 20 years. Bilateral ties between the countries are good and are strengthened due to an active and vocal Dutch-Somali diaspora in the Netherlands and a lively Dutch-Somali business community in Somalia. Somalia is one of the main focus countries of the Netherlands for development cooperation, as specified in the policy note for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation ‘Do what we do best’ (2022). Want to learn more about the work of the Netherlands in Somalia? Read the Multi Annual Country Strategy here, or take a look at this video.
Human rights are the cornerstone of a democracy in which every person counts, and every voice is heard. The Netherlands strives to protect and promote human rights across the world. The Netherlands and Somalia work together to improve access to justice and enhance security to nurture and safeguard respect for human rights for all, and to strengthen a culture of accountability and international legal order. Read more about the Netherlands efforts on this thematic area here.
Economic Development
Economic adversity remains a major challenge to sustainable development in Somalia, which particularly affects young populations. Fostering inclusive and productive economic participation and development remains critical with high levels of poverty, poor human development indicators and instability, and new threats posed by climate change. An estimated 50 per cent of youth (aged 20-34 years) are currently unemployed or economically inactive. The Netherlands invests in the youth of Somalia by investing and Skills and Jobs. Learn more about it here.