Legal Unit
Background
The Legal Unit of the Somali Disaster Management Agency is dedicated to ensuring that all operations, interventions, and partnerships of the agency are conducted in full compliance with national laws, international humanitarian standards, and human rights obligations. The unit provides legal advice, legislative support, and regulatory guidance across all disaster risk reduction, emergency response, recovery, and resilience-building activities. It ensures that the legal frameworks are in place to empower disaster management personnel, protect affected communities, and promote accountability in the use of resources
Vision
To be a proactive and trusted legal support unit that safeguards the rights of all stakeholders and enhances the legal integrity of disaster management initiatives.
Mission
To offer expert legal counsel, develop robust legal frameworks, and ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards in all disaster management policies, programs, and operations.
Main Roles & Responsibilities
The Legal Unit is mandated to:
- Provide legal advice to the Agency’s management and operational teams.
- Draft, review, and update legal instruments, including disaster management legislation, regulations, MoUs, contracts, and policies.
- Facilitate legal preparedness for disaster response, with a focus on the protection of displaced populations and vulnerable groups.
- Ensure that the Agency’s actions comply with constitutional, national, and international legal frameworks.
- Represent the Agency in legal proceedings and liaise with legal bodies, law enforcement, and the judiciary when necessary.
- Promote rights-based approaches and advocate for legal reforms to strengthen disaster risk governance.
- Provide training to staff and partners on the legal aspects of disaster management and humanitarian law.
