While showing steady progress, the formal justice system in Somalia remains fragile. Somalis continue to use traditional dispute resolution (TDR) mechanisms to resolve conflicts in their communities due to their physical accessibility, low cost and legitimacy in the eyes of local participants. The TDR system has the potential to improve access to justice in Somalia, but at the same time informal justice can reinforce forms of discrimination and support practices that do not comply with international human rights standards.
IDLO is working to strengthen the link between the formal justice system and TDR practices. Projects aim to increase the compatibility of customary systems with international and national law, and to promote stability, efficiency and access to justice in Somalia.
