MOGADISHU (KAAB TV) – Ms. Isha Dyfan, the United Nations Independent Expert on Human Rights in Somalia, has completed her third official visit to the nation since being selected by the Human Rights Council in May 2020.
In a news conference held today in Mogadishu, she discussed the government’s progress since her visit in November 2023, as well as the problems she met in Somalia’s human rights growth and protection.
Discussions focused on the constitutional review process, the formation of legislation and government institutions, civilian protection in light of ATMIS reductions, and breaches of women’s and children’s rights. Humanitarian, economic, and social issues as well as the progress achieved in the important parameters and indicators mentioned in its previous report were also discussed.
Ms. Isha Dyfan congratulated the Somali government for voting positively to change the first four chapters of the Transitional Constitution of the Federal Government of Somalia, which was approved by members of both chambers of the Federal Parliament of Somalia. However, she was concerned about the lack of agreement among political actors on the adjustments.
I urge all parties to prioritise dialogue in order to reach a consensus on how to sustain these positive steps in supporting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Somalia,” she said.
She applauded the constitutional revisions, especially those linked to the age of puberty and the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM), but called on the authorities to guarantee that future constitutional amendments conform to Somalia’s international obligations and human rights principles.
The independent expert also encouraged the Federal Parliament to include a political consensus on women’s quotas, as well as specific procedures to defend women’s rights. She cited recent efforts such as the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace, and Security at the state level and the formation of a women’s committee to represent women’s concerns in the process. “I’m not taking the nation.”
Ms. Dyfan emphasised the government’s commitment to enacting legislation on rape and indecency, juvenile justice, national disability, and children’s rights. She emphasised the significance of addressing major laws, including as the Penal Code, Civil Code, and anti-trafficking legislation, in order to achieve broader legal and institutional changes.
She harshly condemned Al-Shabaab’s frequent and fatal attacks and urged the government to take every step to save the people. She also addressed the widespread problem of sexual and gender-based violence, emphasizing the need to strengthen the capacity to investigate and prosecute such crimes and to ensure a safe environment for victims and survivors.
“I have emphasised the importance of taking all necessary steps to increase the capacity to investigate and prosecute sexual and gender-based violence, as well as creating a safe atmosphere in which victims and survivors can report crimes without fear. not to retaliate or criticise; and to ensure that victims are protected, have access to justice, and effective remedies.”
Mrs. emphasised the issues that vulnerable communities face, such as forced relocation and a lack of mine and hazardous material clearance, which endangers children.
According to humanitarian and protection stakeholders, 4 million children are affected by both the conflict and the effects of climate change. Children account for 60 to 70% of IDPs and other vulnerable populations.
The impartial expert emphasised that the main challenges faced by vulnerable communities include forced evictions and their impact on children as well as adequate clearance of mines and hazardous materials in liberated areas. dangerous to children. There is also said to be limited access to hard-to-reach areas to provide services to vulnerable people.