Baahi-koob: A Refuge for Somaliland’s Victims of Violence
In Somaliland, cultural and societal stigmas have long posed significant barriers to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in accessing justice and healing services. In 2008, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) supported the establishment of the first Sexual Assault Referral Center, locally known as the Baahi-koob Center, at Hargeisa Group Hospital. The success of this model led to its expansion to other regions in Somaliland in Burao and Borama, where similar centers were established under regional hospitals jurisdiction. These efforts supported through various phases of the Rule of Law Program. Under the current EU funded UN Joint Rule of Law Program, Baahi-koob Centers remain strategic partners, playing a critical role in addressing SGBV and supporting survivors across Somaliland.
A Lifeline for Survivors: The Baahi-koob Center Model
The Baahi-koob One-Stop Centers represent a pioneering and survivor-centered model of care for SGBV survivors in Somaliland. These centers offer critical medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance, serving as safe havens for those in need Survivors also benefit from referrals for legal aid and economic empowerment initiatives, ensuring a holistic recovery process. This comprehensive approach grounded in principles of gender sensitivity, confidentiality and do no harm, ensures that survivors have access to the support they need in one place, helping them begin the healing process and reclaim their lives.
survivors of gang rape shared, “When I first came to Baahi-koob, I felt hopeless, like no one would ever understand my pain. But the staff here listened, they cared, and they helped me find my voice again. Today, I am not just a survivor; I am a woman rebuilding her future.”
Another survivor, Ms. Nadia (name changed), 32, reflected , “When I arrived at Baahi-koob Centre, I was in a state of profound distress. The compassion and professionalism I encountered there reassured me that my recovery was not only possible, but that I deserved it. I was not treated as a mere victim, but as a person with the capacity to regain control over my future,”
Since the first Baahi-koob Center opened in Hargeisa in 2008, it inspired the establishment of additional centers in Burao and Borama by UNDP in 2014, as well as pilot initiatives in other places, these centers serve women, girls, and children who have experienced violence, regardless of their age or background or identity. However, the need remains pressing with local communities advocating for the establishment of more Baahi-koob centers for far and remote regions to ensure wider access to SGBV services.
UNDP has played a crucial role in equipping Baahi-koob Centres to deliver high-quality of gender-sensitive services. Through standardized staff training, UNDP has enhanced the capacity of nurses, midwives, psychosocial counselors, and police officers to respond effectively to SGBV cases.
The professionalism and dedication of Baahi-koob Center’s staff have fostered trust within local communities. The centers have gained a reputation for providing reliable, free of charge services that survivors and their families can count on, bridging the gap between vulnerable individuals and available support systems.
“Our commitment to support survivors has never wavered. Every case we handle is an opportunity to restore justice and dignity to someone who has suffered immeasurably.”
Ahmed Omar Askar, Director of Hargeisa Hospital
Community Awareness and Advocacy
Beyond direct services, Baahi-koob Centers play a vital role in raising awareness with regards to the SGBV. Through, social media, workshops, radio and TV programs, Billboards and information-sharing sessions, the centers educate communities on the causes and consequences of SGBV, encouraging survivors to seek help. This dual approach—responsive and preventative—has been key in challenging the stigma surrounding SGBV and promoting justice for survivors.
Baahi-koob’s advocacy extends to the national level, pushing for legislation on sexual offenses and working with Government Ministries to address survivors’ needs. Despite challenges, Somaliland’s government has committed to a zero-tolerance of policy for rape and other forms of SGBV, ensuring these cases are addressed within the judicial system
Ahmed Mahmoud Furre, Head of the Investigation Department, emphasized, “Our job is not just to enforce the law, but to support survivors in their fight for justice. Baahi-koob Centers are critical partners in empowering survivors to speak up and know they are not alone.”
The Role of the Judiciary in Supporting Survivors
The court system in Somaliland plays an essential role in ensuring that SGBV survivors receive justice. Through its partnership with the Baahi-koob Centers, the judiciary has improved the legal framework for handling SGBV cases while ensures that survivors are not re-traumatized by the legal proceedings.
Mohamed Hussein Arale, a specialized judge on SGBV cases in Somaliland, stated, “The courts are committed to supporting survivors every step of the way. We recognize that access to justice is crucial for the healing process, and we are working closely with organizations like Baahi-koob Centre to make sure that survivors are empowered to take legal action and receive the support they deserve.”
Legal Advocacy and Support
Lawyers and legal aid providers have been instrumental in helping survivors navigate the complexities of the justice system. Many survivors who come to Baahi-koob seek legal counsel to pursue charges, and the Centers’ legal partners have work tirelessly to ensure that these cases proceed through the judicial process.
Yasmin Abdi Abdillahi, Director of the Somaliland Women Lawyers Association, remarked, “Access to legal representation is a key pillar of justice. Survivors who walk into Baahi-koob are not just clients; they are individuals who deserve to have their voices heard in the courtroom. Our role is to guide them through the legal system, ensuring their rights are protected at every turn.”
Since their inception, Baahi-koob One-Stop Centers have profoundly impacted survivors and their communities. On average, the centres support nearly 60 cases each month, primarily survivors of rape. Since 2008, they have assisted 7,055 survivors (6,456 female and 599 males, with 5,059 being children under 18). These individuals have received vital medical treatment, psychological counseling, legal assistance, and referrals to justice actors, ensuring their cases are effectively resolved.
Baahi-koob’s holistic support system has transformed lives, offering survivors a path to healing, justice, and empowerment. By following up on cases with relevant service providers, , the centers have improved access to justice and accountability for SGBV crimes.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
Despite funding gaps, Baahi-koob Centres have remained operational, reflecting strong community support and the critical need for their services. Local communities and survivors have championed the importance of these centers, ensuring their continued operation even in difficult times. Additionally, Baahi-koob has attracted support from various donors and partners, helping to sustain services for survivors.
About the project
The Baahi-koob One-Stop Centers are part of the support measures established under the UN Joint Rule of Law Program for Somaliland (2023-2026) funded by the European Union (EU), Sweden (SIDA), and supported with other UN agencies and international partners. National partners supporting the initiative, include the government institutions, CSOs and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), play a pivotal role in sustaining this initiative
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