Horn International Relief and Development Organization (HIRDO) implements integrated protection programmes to safeguard the rights, dignity, and well-being of vulnerable populations affected by conflict, displacement, and climate shocks across Somalia. The organization prioritizes older people, persons with disabilities, women, children, and displacement-affected communities through inclusive and rights-based interventions that ensure no one is left behind.
HIRDO's protection approach is community-driven and inclusive — embedding rights-based principles across all programmes and mainstreaming protection into health, nutrition, WASH, livelihoods, and emergency response to ensure vulnerable groups receive safe, dignified, and accessible support.
Psychosocial Support (PSS) — Key Reach
HIRDO provided psychosocial support to 1,300 drought-displaced individuals in Kahda and Heliwa districts — including older people, persons with disabilities, women-headed households, and GBV survivors. Support included counselling, trauma healing, mental health awareness sessions, and referrals to specialized protection services.
Key Protection Interventions
HIRDO's protection programming covers six integrated areas designed to address the full spectrum of protection risks facing vulnerable populations.
Psychosocial Support (PSS)
Individual and group counselling, trauma healing, mental health awareness sessions, and referrals to specialized health and protection services.
GBV Prevention & Response
Awareness campaigns, safe and confidential referral pathways for survivors, and community engagement to reduce harmful practices and stigma.
Child Protection
Awareness on child rights and protection risks, prevention of abuse and exploitation, and referral of vulnerable children to appropriate services.
Protection Mainstreaming & Inclusion
Age, gender, and disability inclusion (AGDI) across all programmes — ensuring safe, accessible, and dignified assistance for everyone.
Accountability to Affected Populations
Feedback and complaint mechanisms (CRM), community participation in programme design, and transparent and responsive programme management.
Community-Based Protection & Peacebuilding
Engagement with community leaders and peace committees, strengthening local protection systems, conflict resolution, and social cohesion.
Overall Impact
Improved mental health and psychosocial well-being among drought-displaced and conflict-affected populations
Increased access to protection services and safe referral pathways for survivors and vulnerable groups
Reduced protection risks and vulnerabilities, with strengthened inclusion and dignity across communities
More effective local protection systems and community-based peacebuilding mechanisms
HIRDO's Approach
HIRDO's protection approach is community-driven and inclusive, embedding rights-based principles across all programmes and ensuring protection is mainstreamed — not siloed — throughout humanitarian action.
All protection activities are grounded in international human rights principles and inclusive humanitarian standards. HIRDO emphasizes Age, Gender, and Disability Inclusion (AGDI), ensuring equitable access to services, protection, and meaningful participation in humanitarian programming.
HIRDO works closely with community leaders, elders, youth groups, and local protection committees to design, implement, and monitor protection interventions. This strengthens trust, ownership, and sustainability.
HIRDO maintains confidential and secure referral pathways for GBV survivors, child protection cases, and individuals requiring mental health or medical support, in coordination with government and partners.
HIRDO applies CHS and SPHERE accountability standards, ensuring transparency, participation, feedback mechanisms, and continuous improvement across all protection programmes.
