Why Legal Translation is Vital for Somalia’s Constitutional Reform

Legal translation isn’t just about switching languages—it’s about preserving intent, accuracy, and constitutional integrity. As Somalia moves through a historic constitutional review process, ensuring that Somali and English legal texts are consistent and precise has never been more critical.
At Just Legal Services, we’ve seen firsthand how mistranslation can cause misunderstandings in courtrooms and among policymakers. One misplaced word in a bill or clause can alter rights, limit access, or delay legislative processes. That’s why legal translation should be handled by professionals who understand both legal systems and linguistic nuances.
In our work with ICRIC and other national institutions, we prioritize mother-tongue legal translators with real-world legal experience. This ensures translated documents are not only linguistically correct but also legally binding.
Good governance starts with clear communication. In a bilingual legal system like Somalia’s, poor translation can result in delays, disputes, or even violations of constitutional rights.
By investing in proper legal translation, we’re not just bridging language gaps—we’re protecting the rule of law and the legitimacy of our institutions.