International Development Law Organization

Somalia: Clan, Crime and Custom

IDLO is hosting a customary justice workshop in Mogadishu this week in conjunction with the Somali Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Taking part are elders from four districts of Somalia. They are discussing clan responsibility versus individual responsibility for criminal offenses, women's participation in customary justice forums, and the rights of minorities in customary justice decision-making.

The  workshop aims to encourage critical thinking about how the traditional system known as Xeer can be made to provide access to justice for all. Participants are also exploring avenues that could link formal and informal justice systems.